Back to Search
Start Over
ROMANS’ ESTABLISHED SKILLS: MORTARS FROM D46b MAUSOLEUM, PORTA MEDIANA NECROPOLIS, CUMA (NAPLES)
- Source :
- Mediterranean Archaeology and Archaeometry, Mediterranean Archaeology and Archaeometry, 2018, 18, pp.131-146. ⟨10.5281/zenodo.1285895⟩
- Publication Year :
- 2018
-
Abstract
- Roman mortars from a mausoleum (named D46b) belonging to the archaeological site of Porta Mediana necropolis, in Cuma (Naples, Southern Italy) have been studied by means of petrographic, mineralogical and micro-chemical analyses. The aim of this research is to fill the knowledge gap regarding mortar-based materials used in Roman age within this wide archaeological site. Two typologies of mortars (bedding and coating) were collected from mausoleum’s masonry. They were lime-based with addition of pozzolanic materials, according to Vitruvius’ recipe. Raw materials, such as volcanic sand and limestones, mainly from local sources, were preferentially used as aggregate, both for great availability and good properties. As regard production techniques, the multi-layer feature of the coating mortars, once again shows the great knowledge of the building art. Each layer is the result of a precise choice, as shown by the differences both in texture and petrographic features. Data from detailed mortars characterization have infer the outstanding skill of Roman craftsmen, as already proved by extraordinary durability of buildings. The research was very useful not only to increase the knowledge of this ancient culture but also to planning conservative actions, that, through mortar reproduction or the research of suitable materials, can promote the safeguard of this invaluable heritage.
- Subjects :
- Technology
Analysis of materials
010304 chemical physics
060102 archaeology
Cumae
[SHS.ARCHEO]Humanities and Social Sciences/Archaeology and Prehistory
bedding
coating
Necropolis
06 humanities and the arts
01 natural sciences
Archaeometry
Cumes
0103 physical sciences
11. Sustainability
raw materials
roman mortars, bedding, coating, raw materials, volcanic aggregate, technology
volcanic aggregate
0601 history and archaeology
Campi Flegrei
Cuma
Roman mortars
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Mediterranean Archaeology and Archaeometry, Mediterranean Archaeology and Archaeometry, 2018, 18, pp.131-146. ⟨10.5281/zenodo.1285895⟩
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....488c32b41e3d76e1c541f901121a2cfc