Thesis title: Ancient mortars: from diagnostic investigations to FAIR modeling of scientific data.
This thesis examines the mortars used in archaeological contexts located in areas characterized by high seismicity, specifically the well-known Italian sites of Pompeii, Carsulae, Narni, and Hierapolis of Phrygia in Turkey. The research focused on the diachronic evolution of raw material selection and production techniques for mortar-based materials, while also identifying the factors responsible for their remarkable durability. To this end, the mortars were characterized through a multi-analytical approach that included mineralogical, petrographic, and geochemical analyses, complemented by advanced investigative techniques capable of examining materials at the micrometric scale, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with a Focal Plane Array detector (FPA-FTIR) and synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (SR-XRD).
The study on mortar-based materials from ancient Pompeii, was focused on samples collected from public buildings in the Forum Grande area. The archaeologically dated samples revealed morphometric and morphological differences in binders and aggregates clearly attributable to distinct construction phases, particularly evident in materials used after the devastating earthquake of 62 CE, thereby confirming the previously proposed chronological attributions.
At Hierapolis, analyses of samples from public buildings investigated the historical evolution of mortar production technologies and raw material selection over a period from the Roman to the Middle Byzantine era, highlighting attempts to adapt construction techniques to repeated seismic events.
The study of the "Bridge of Augustus" in Narni highlights the exceptional engineering skills of the Romans, particularly in creating custom-made mortars that were designed to meet specific structural requirements for optimal performance. Similarly, at Carsulae, analyses of the Arch of San Damiano and a nearby cistern further demonstrate the Roman builders' ability to adapt materials according to their intended functions. The analysis of the raw materials used in both the structures at Carsulae and the Bridge of Augustus at Narni revealed that silicified limestones were utilized for binder production. This resulted in mortars with excellent hydraulic properties, even without the addition of reactive aggregates. The use of pozzolanic aggregates in structures in direct contact with water suggests that the Romans were unaware of the hydraulic capabilities inherent in the use of local materials.
The PhD research also aims to integrate the results of my analyses on materials from Hierapolis into the DataSpace platform through the MORTARS project. All the data produced will be shared with the scientific community. By accessing these processed analyses, researchers will be able to utilize the information to enhance and expedite their own studies.