The study of pitch via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy: the case of the Roman amphoras from Monte Poro, Calabria (Italy)

► Increasing the available information regarding the characterisation of organic residues present in archaeological pottery. ► Helping archaeologist to have scientific tools for reconstructing diets, habits, technologies and original use of ceramics. ► Understanding the technological aspects and the use of pitch in the south of Italy (Calabria) during Roman times. ► Application of GC-MS for investigating the production of resinous products.