Study of historical mortars from the Roman villa of Frielas (Loures, Portugal)

Tanzil Ahmmed, Cristina Galacho, José Quaresma, Patrícia Moita, A. R. Silva
Abstract:
The Roman villa of Frielas is an archaeological site from 3rd – 6th century AD located in Loures, Portugal. The villa is on excavation since 1997. A total of eighteen mortar samples were collected from the different structures of the villa with different functional uses (render, filler, and floor) and analyzed by a multi-analytical approach. The results revealed a similar composition of binder, while differences in aggregates allowed to establish several groups. Raw materials and production technologies were significant. Results were discussed as evidence of manufacturing techniques, production technologies, and provenance of possible raw materials. The information was analyzed to understand if historic recipes from ancient Roman treatises as described by Vitruvius, were followed in the manufacturing process, or if traditional formulae were adjusted and adapted to meet a specific demand or due to resource constraints.
Download:
IMEKO-MetroArchaeo-2023-185.pdf
DOI:
10.21014/tc4-ARC-2023.185
Event details
IMEKO TC:
TC4
Event name:
TC4 MetroArchaeo 2023
Title:

IMEKO TC4 International Conference on Metrology for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

Place:
Rome, ITALY
Time:
19 October 2023 - 21 October 2023