Elissavet Dotsika

National Center for Scientific Research Demokritos | ncsr · Institute of Nanoscience and nanotechnology

The Stable Isotope Unit of the National Centre of Scientific Research and the Ephorate of Kavala and Thasos collaborated on a project to investigate construction materials from the Ancient Theatre on Thasos Island, which was funded by NSRF European funds (2007-2013 and 2014-2020). Bulk samples of marble were collected to determine their provenance,...

In this study, we provide an extensive database of sulfur isotope values of samples from Greece, including those from plants and terrestrial and aquatic animals. This is the first study to examine sulfur isotopes in modern plants, animals, and fish bones (fresh and marine reservoirs) from Greece. The results show a clear offset in δ34S values betwe...

The present contribution aims to study the isotopic characteristics of various marbles from the archaeological site of Kythnos Island in the Cyclades, Greece. The database of this research is very important and useful in the conservation and restoration of monuments as these tasks should aim at preserving their material status and their authenticit...

Isotopic studies have been conducted on skeletal remains of ancient populations from Kythnos, an island of the Cyclades in Greece, for the purpose of dietary reconstruction; mostly through carbon and nitrogen isotopic signals of bone collagen, and apatite signatures (oxygen and carbon) as dietary and palaeoenvironmental tools. The basic aims of the...

During antiquity, it is known that glass was produced in specialized primary workshops in Levant and Egypt, and this glass was melted and formed into objects in secondary workshops, and distributed in most cities and towns of the Roman Empire. Great efforts, although it is difficult, have been made to distinguish where it was produced. In this stud...

In this work we study the isotopic and hydrochemical properties of waters emerging from Nestos river delta basin (Erasmio, Eratio and Myrodato), which is forming the continental margin of the broader graben type basin of Prinos that includes the Nestos delta and the offshore extension between Thassos island and the main land around Kavala bay. Our...

In this work we examine the hydrochemical and isotopic characteristics of the thermal fluids in the Aristino geothermal area in the southwestern margin of the Loutros-Feres-Soufli Tertiary basin (LFS), which is located west of Evros river in Northeastern Greece, in order to identify their possible origin and the expected procedures responsible for...

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the key quality characteristics of olive oil with a main focus on the biophenolic content, its beneficial effects on health and the contribution of various quality characteristics to its health claims, as well as its influence from various parameters. Samples from different traditional oil-producing regions...

Objectives Isotopic analysis has been proven a valuable tool for reconstructing dietary habits in the ancient world. In this work we examine the evolution of Greek diet from the Neolithic period (6800–3000 BC) to modern times. Materials and Methods We present isotopic analysis results for δ ¹³ C and δ ¹⁵ Ν of adult human bone collagen from ancient...

In this article we present an isotopic analysis of human bone collagen (δ13Ccol, and δ15Ncol) and bone apatite (δ13C) for diet reconstruction, as well as δ18Oap of human bone apatite for climate reconstruction, using samples from Northern Greece. Radiocarbon dating analysis was conducted on three of the Agras samples and the results (from 1000 to 8...

Bulk samples of mortars were collected from archaeological sites dated from Hellenistic to Roman period in order to investigate the technological evolution of historic structures from simple lime based systems to advanced hydraulic materials. Roman opus caementicium enabled the construction of vaults with a mechanical behaviour of an inert monolith...

In this study we present the isotopic signatures of quarries located in North-East (Tempi, Tisaion, Pangaio), Southern (Hymittos, Penteli) Greece in order to enrich the existing databases used in ancient marble provenance. This expansion of the databases will enhance our understanding in the archaeological characterization of ancient monuments and...

Samples of mortars were collected from lime and hydraulic mortars affected by environmental, mainly water induced degradation. Moisture and humidity possesses a main threat for the preservation of historic monuments. Agents of decay related with water such as acid rain, sulfate attack, acid attack, leaching action, salts attack, damage due to frost...

Salts crystallizing in the pore space of building stones cause stone monument degradation. The origin of these salts can be variable: marine, air pollution, together with marine aerosols, building or restoration material. Previous studies using sulfur and nitrogen isotopes demonstrated the important role of atmospheric sulfur and nitrogen to black...

Geochemical, geological, and hydrological data suggest, for the Cotronei-Caccuri thermal area (Northern Calabria – Southern Italy), the presence of a deep primary geothermal aquifer hosted in the crystalline basement (at Ponte Coniglio) and two secondary aquifers (at Bruciarello and Repole) developed in the Miocene sedimentary succession. Despite t...

Hydrochemical and isotopic characteristics of fluids from major geothermal fields of middle/low temperature in N/NE Greece are examined [basins: Strymon River (SR), Nestos River Delta (ND), Xanthi–Komotini (XK), Loutros–Feres–Soufli (LFS) and Rhodope Massif]. The geodynamic context is reflected to isotopic/chemical composition of fluids, heat flow...

In recent years, isotopic analysis has been proven a valuable tool for the determination of the origin of various materials. In this article, we studied the 18 O and 13 C isotopic values of 210 olive oil samples that were originated from different regions in Greece in order to verify how these values are affected by the climate regime. We observed...

In recent years, isotopic analysis has been proven a valuable tool for the determination of the origin of various materials. In this article, we studied the 18O and 13C isotopic values of 210 olive oil samples that were originated from different regions in Greece in order to verify how these values are affected by the climate regime. We observed th...

In this study a methodology for identifying the geographic origin of unidentified persons, their residence and moving patterns while providing information on lifestyle, diet and socio-economic status by combining stable isotopic data, with the biological information (isotopic composition of the skeleton), is presented. This is accomplished by compa...

The recently reported 'alarm photosynthesis' acts as a biochemical appendance that assimilates CO2 deriving from decomposition of calcium oxalate crystals. This study examines whether CaCO3 cystoliths could also serve as CO2 pools fulfilling a similar role. Shoots of Parietaria judaica were subjected to carbon starvation, abscisic acid (ABA) or bic...

A multidisciplinary approach adopting new geological, hydro-geochemical and isotopic data has been used to assess the genesis of hot and cold waters of the Galatro and Antonimina thermal areas. In these systems, waters come from two different hydrogeological circuits, which are chiefly hosted in the Palaeozoic crystalline-methamorphic rocks of the...

In this paper, we study δ15N enrichment as an indicator not only of marine protein diet, but also of climate change. The slope of the variation of δ15N with precipitation was calculated equal to 0.38/100 mm of precipitation for Greek plants, 0.38/100 mm of precipitation for herbivores, and 0.32/100 mm of precipitation for the Greek human population...

We review the stable isotopic data of recovered Greek bones from the Early Neolithic to the Late Bronze period in order to examine dietary changes over time. As an isotopic baseline we use the published fauna data of the periods. The analysis revealed a diet that included a significant proportion of foods based on C3 plants, and the bulk of the ani...

The functional role(s) of plant calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals are still poorly understood. Recently, it was shown that crystals function as dynamic carbon pools whose decomposition could provide CO2 to photosynthesis when stomata are closed (e.g. under drought conditions) and CO2 starvation conditions may be created within the mesophyll. This bio...

Samples of mortars were collected from lime and hydraulic mortars affected by environmental degradation. A total of 63 samples were obtained from Hellenistic, Late Roman and Byzantine historic constructions located at Kavala, Drama and Makrygialos in North Greece. Samples were collected in sections from the surface up to 6 cm deep using a drill-cor...

The palaeopathological record (i.e. dental diseases, hematopoietic conditions) combined with stable isotope technique, can be used in order to assess diet in past populations through a multidisciplinary approach. Therefore, the present study aims to implement the abovementioned methodology to various populations (coastal vs. inland) from Finland da...

In the present isotopic study we assess the dietary patterns of a medieval population in Greece. Three isotopes were measured (δ¹³Ccoll, δ¹³Cap, δ¹⁵Ν) in a skeletal sample from Thebes, consisting of 16 adult individuals (7 males, 9 females) dated at 13th–14th c. CE. According to historical sources many different ethnicities co-existed in Thebes dur...

This paper reviews stable isotopic data concerning spring water in Greece in addition to new measurements (59); their spatial variations are investigated in order to provide basic information and identify the locally significant parameters that affect stable isotopic distributions. The area of interest was partitioned into eight sections according...

A geochemical survey on the thermal fluids of Edipsos area was undertaken. In order to investigate the mineralization process, a geochemical and isotopic analysis (major ions, 18O, 2H) was conducted for thermal waters of springs and boreholes. The Edipsos area is found in the northern part of Euboea, north of Athens, and is characterized by high sa...

In order to investigate the mineralisation process, we conducted geochemical and isotopic analyses (major ions, 18O, 2H) of the thermal waters of springs and boreholes of Nigrita. This study shows that the thermal waters are of meteoric origin. Appropriate geothermometers were applied on selected samples of thermal waters for the determination of t...

The present isotopic study is the first to assess the dietary habits of a Roman population from Northern Greece. A multi-stable isotope analysis was conducted in 22 individuals deriving from Edessa, a town in Greek Macedonia dated at 2nd–4th c. CE. The basic aims of the present study are to reconstruct the diet of this population, to explore possib...

Literary sources referring to the ancient Greek diet, suggest gender differences as women had less access to various nourishing food items. Stable isotopes combined with dental caries and tooth wear, have substantial potential for identifying the dietary habits of a past population. Therefore, the current study aims to explore the possible gender d...

Until recently most isotopic studies conducted on skeletal material from Greece refer either to prehistoric times or to the Byzantine period. In particular, isotopic studies regarding dietary reconstruction during the Roman times in Greece are almost absent, with the exception of one study by Anna Lagia, published in 2015, referring to Roman Athens...

In order to discriminate the starting materials of ancient glasses, the isotopic fingerprint of Greek raw materials and fluxes used in glass production were studied. Specifically, measurements of isotope (¹⁸O‰) and of chemical composition of halophytic plants, Pikrolimni Natron, sand, chert and limestone samples were conducted. The study proves tha...

The Monastery of Timios Prodromos is the most important Byzantine monument in the prefecture of Serres and one of the most important monastic foundations of Byzantine times in Northern Greece. It was founded in the late 13th century from Ioannikios and then renovated by his nephew, Joachim. The catholic dates back to the 14th century, and specifica...

Even though isotopic analyses have been extensively implemented on human skeletal remains for the purpose of dietary reconstruction, less attention has been given to the ingested water and thus to the investigation of palaeoclimatic conditions. In particular, oxygen isotopic fingerprinting has never been applied on human skeletal remains from Greec...

Even though many isotopic studies have been conducted on ancient populations from Greece for the purpose of dietary reconstruction; mostly through carbon and nitrogen isotopic signals of bone collagen, less attention has been given to the utility of apatite signatures (oxygen and carbon) as dietary and palaeoenvironmental tools. Moreover, until rec...

Stable Isotope and Radiocarbon Analysis in Animal Bones from the Prehistoric Settlement of Dispilio, Kastoria Lake, Northern Greece – CORRIGENDUM - Volume 59 Special Issue - Paraskevi Chantzi, Elissavet Dotsika, Konstantinos Albanakis, Konstantinos Kotsakis

Wild boar and roe deer samples from an excavation in Dispilio, Greece, were subjected to collagen extraction protocols to reconstruct the paleoecological regime. Radiocarbon ( ¹⁴ C) analysis suggested the Middle/Late Neolithic period and the database was updated with collagen samples. The ¹⁴ C model concluded to a possible local deforestation effec...

The present paper emphasizes the importance of measuring the oxygen isotopic and chemical compositions of ancient glass, in order to constrain some features such as age, raw materials, and production technologies and to identify the “fingerprint” of local productions. In this context, thirty-nine Roman and late Antique glass samples and eight chert...

Palaeoclimatic reconstruction in N. Greece has been investigated in this study, using stable isotope analyses and U/Th dating of a speleothem (stalactite) from the cave of Agios Georgios (Kilkis). Sampling sequence was followed in detail in order to obtain high resolution analysis of the proxy. Speleothem δ18O entirely depends on two factors: chang...

The covariation of the stable water isotopomers (δ2H and δ18O) in precipitation over a certain area (termed as the Local Meteoric Water Line, δ2H = α δ18O + b) is widely used in hydrological applications for tracing the apparent link between groundwater and precipitation or to estimate the evaporation degree of water. The majority of studies draw t...

Oxygen, deuterium and carbon isotopes were measured in wine products in two Greek vineyards, Amydaio (north) and Nemea (south). The enriched isotope values in Nemea reflects the higher evapo-transpiration rate and the more arid condition of Southern Greece. White wines were slightly more depleted than red wines of the same year and the same growing...

A trace element record (Mg, Sr, Ba, Al, Si, P, Y, Zn) covering the ca. 133 ka to ca. 124 ka time interval was acquired from a flowstone core from Tana che Urla Cave (central Italy). It was compared with stable isotope data to investigate the environmental evolution in response to regional and extra-regional climate changes in the period correspondi...

Major element chemistry of water samples in Ierissos gulf basin is dominated by Ca2+, Mg2+ and HCO3⁻ ions. Water rock interaction is an important mechanism in the mineralization of waters. A link between Skouries and Gomati samples (Mg-HCO3) was detected reflecting the well documented M. Panagia-Gomati fault. In Neochori and M. Panagia samples were...

Thermal waters from Evros area were collected and subjected to chemical and isotopic analysis in order to understand all the physicochemical mechanisms (mixing, dilution, precipitating) that contribute to the shallow and deep geothermal water tables and determine the origin of these fluids as well as their mineralization. Physicochemical characteri...

Paleoecological studies have an important role in understanding past environmental, dietary and/or societal changes however require the authentic signature of fossil materials. Therefore, a significant part of these studies concerns the isolation of the material authentic matrix. Bone hydroxyapatite from different animal species from the archaeolog...

Land plants face the perpetual dilemma of using atmospheric carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and losing water vapours, or saving water and reducing photosynthesis and thus growth. The reason behind this dilemma is that this simultaneous exchange of gases is accomplished through the same minute pores on leaf surfaces, called stomata. In a recent st...

Stable isotope values of cold water samples ranged from −10.3‰ to −7.3‰, from −70.4‰ to −45.7‰ and from −13.6‰ to −10.2‰ for δ18O, δD and δ13C respectively reflecting the isotopic signature of local precipitation water. Isotopic mapping of groundwater indicates no evidence of any mixing process with waters of different isotopic composition or evapo...

The Aegean volcanic arc is the result of a lithosphere subduction process during the Quaternary time. Starting from the Loutraki area (located in Attiki peninsula) the arc proceeds through the islands of Egina, Milos, Santorini, Kos and Nisyros. Volcanic activities are still pronounced at Santorini and Nisyros in form of seismic activity, of crater...

Calcium oxalate crystals are widespread among animals and plants. In land plants, crystals often reach high amounts - up to 80% of dry biomass. They are formed within specific cells, and their accumulation constitutes a normal activity rather than a pathological symptom, as occurs in animals. Despite their ubiquity, our knowledge on the formation a...

The geothermal field of Akropotamos produces fluids at temperatures up to 90oC. The waters from wells AKR-1, AKR-3, AKR-4, AKR-5 and AKR-6 at 30 86oC and TDS of 3.1-30.7 g/l are classified as Na-Cl type. The water from well AKR-2 at 46oC with TDS of 2.15 g/l belongs to Na-HCO3Cl type. The cold and sub-thermal waters (16.4- 27oC) in the area are con...

This review summarizes the existing data about the geological sources of As in Greece; their variety and the relevant concentrations make Greece a peculiar territory to generalize and better understand the methodology for their assessment. These sources concern As-containing ores in active and abandoned mining areas, geothermal/hydrothermal waters,...

Water demand for urban, industrial, and agricultural purposes is a major concern in developed and third world countries. A careful evaluation for an appropriate and sustainable use of water resources is a priority. Geochemical processes can lead to measurable variations of the aquatic environment, which can be studied through the analysis of the di...

A preliminary geochemical characterization of Cerchiara thermal waters was carried out. Waters discharging at the Cerchiara springs come from a deep circuit, which is chiefly hosted in the limestones, dolomitic limestones and evaporites of the Pollino Unit. Triangular plots of major dissolved cations and anions show that the Cerchiara thermal water...