Characterization of the metal alloys of the Vittoria Alata of Brescia by means of TOF Neutron Diffraction.

We propose to analyse four small samples taken from different areas of the Winged Victory of Brescia(1st Century AD) - one of the most important Roman bronzes rediscovered in Italy - with Time Of Flight Neutron Diffraction (TOF-ND) in order to characterize the different alloys that make up the statue.In addition to these four samples, we propose to analyse a fragment of a bronze frame - found in the same archaeological context of the statue - and a small sample of metal alloy taken from it. In fact, the Vittoria Alata was found, in 1826, together with a heap of bronze artefacts (including parts for monumental statues and several frames), in an underground hideout on the western side of the Capitolium of Brescia. The comparison between the analytical results of the statue and the frame will provide further elements for understanding the casting methods in the Roman era.