Thermoluminescence is used in the authentication of bronzes as many civilizations employed a casting technique where the metal was sup-ported on a prefired ceramic-like core. Analysis of the chemical composition of the bulk metal is valuable in that the alloying of copper and tin to form bronze has been modified recently with the addition of zinc. Emission spectroscopy can detect zinc in amounts greater than 1%. Attempts to simulate patination can be detected under ultraviolet light. -- AATA