Work

The materials of historical monuments: characterisation of the mortars of the Roman aqueduct of Zaghouan-Carthage

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The Zaghouan-Carthage Roman aqueduct was the largest built by the Roman Empire at the time, and its archaeological remains bear witness to the excellence of Roman construction. Its importance over the centuries makes it a unique case study for characterising the different types of mortar used. This work aims to study these materials, considering their functions, especially as structural elements or as render, to relate the chemical and mineralogical characteristics observed to both the function and historical context of the monument. Using a multi-analytical approach, the preservation of samples was prioritised whenever possible. The results indicate that mortars with a structural function have higher silicon contents than those used as render. In the case of water conduit coatings, the mortars were formulated with ground ceramics to develop hydraulic properties and ensure the waterproofing material. However, it was not possible to identify a characteristic pattern related to the historical construction periods.

Source: npj Heritage Science

DOI: 10.1038/s40494-025-02144-5

Authors: Fernanda Carvalho, Maria Margarida R. A. Lima, Teresa Pereira da Silva, João Pedro Veiga

Institutions: Centro de Investigação em Materiais, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, National Laboratory of Energy and Geology

Language: English

Topic: Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Universidad de Cádiz, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia