Dr Agnese Benzonelli

My background and working experience have given me an invaluable opportunities to work with a wide range of materials, periods, and archaeological contexts. This is reflected in my diverse research paths and collaborations which range from the nanoparticles physics to history of science, including medieval stained glass, Minoan gold, Cypriot pottery, and African bronzes.

A key research interest of mine is the investigation of the different technologies used to artificially colour metals in archaeological and historical times. This is providing new insight into technological pathways to modify the materiality of metals, and the transmission of knowledge across cultures.

In my position at Cambridge, I will further develop my investigation of metals, stones, and their surfaces. The analysis of raw materials, technologies and skills involved in complex technologies such as goldwork will help us understand technical traditions, knowledge transmission, cross-craft interaction, and craft organisation in stateless Pre-Columbian societies.