ROMANS' ESTABLISHED SKILLS: MORTARS FROM D46b MAUSOLEUM, PORTA MEDIANA NECROPOLIS, CUMA (NAPLES)

Multi-technical characterization of Roman mortars from Complutum, Spain

“…Lastly, for stable isotope analysis, which can be considered as a novel technique in mortar characterization, binder and aggregates were mechanically separated and the binder-rich fragments were ground. Ground mortar samples were analysed for δ 18 O and δ 13 C isotopes. The measurements were made with a MAT-252 Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer coupled to an automatic KIEL DEVICE III by Thermofisher based on Craig's method.…”

“…δ 18 O and δ 13 C concentrations can reveal the environmental conditions of production and subsequent transformation of lime mortars [36]. These data can also indicate whether carbonation conditions were similar during different construction phases.…”

“…These data can also indicate whether carbonation conditions were similar during different construction phases. Calcite generated during lime mortar carbonation has an isotopic composition similar to calcite generated in geological environments at room temperature but can be differentiated by δ 13 C and δ 18 O concentrations [37].…”

“…Considering the accessibility and ease of transport, the limestone to prepare lime may have been extracted from the upper unit of Miocene outcrops in the Madrid basin, which are the closest to Complutum [24]. It was previously reported that this limestone had δ 13 C values of −6.72 to −8.15% and δ 18 O values of −5.56 to −6.34% [38]. In similar outcrops in the Duero basin, δ 13 C values were in the range of −5.7 to 2.1% and δ 18 O values were between −5.2 andto −6.7% [39].…”

“…Recent studies have presented detailed information about different construction phases and technologies in historic buildings based on mortar characterizations [2-8], especially Roman mortar, due to its outstanding durability [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. The main issue was the addition of pozzolan which makes mortar highly durable which was previously mentioned by Vitruvius and proved by researchers [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. The construction technique of the Roman builders who used concrete with both natural and artificial pozzolanic materials in accurate proportions, are identifiable markers of the empire's presence.The Complutum archaeological site is a complex of remains from the eponymous Roman city located on the Henares River terrace.…”