Ancient Roman Mortars from Villa del Capo di Sorrento: A Multi-Analytical Approach to Define Microstructural and Compositional Features

Concetta Rispoli,Renata Esposito,Piergiulio Cappelletti,Luigi Guerriero

doi:10.3390/min11050469

Abstract

This research provides a characterization of ancient Roman mortars from “Villa del Capo di Sorrento” (commonly known as “Villa di Pollio Felice” or “Bagni della Regina Giovanna”). A deepened analysis of cementitious binding matrix and aggregates was conducted with the aims of determining possible sources of raw materials and the mix recipe, and to evaluate the minerogenetic secondary processes. Twenty samples taken from the Villa were investigated by means of a multi-analytical approach, including polarized optical microscopy on thin sections, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy analysis, energy dispersed spectrometry, simultaneous thermal analyses, and mercury intrusion porosimetry. Bedding mortars were made with slaked lime mixed with volcanic materials, whereas coating mortars were made adding to previous recipe as ceramic fragments. All samples were classified as hydraulic mortars. Cementitious binding matrix was characterized by gel-like C-A-S-H, calcite, hydrocalumite, and gypsum, deriving from lime/pozzolanic material. Geomaterials used for mortar production had a local origin. Pozzolanic materials, such as volcanic fragments, scoriae, pumice, and crystal fragments derived from both pyroclastic rocks of the Campi Flegrei district and from rocks of the Somma-Vesuvio complex; porosity test suggest that the products related to minerogenetic secondary processes, make mortars more resistant.

Highlights

The Campania region was renowned during ancient times as Campania felix, thanks to its climate, beautiful landscapes, and fertile land
Pompeii, and Herculaneum, the Campi Flegrei, which were often visited by rich Roman senators because of the natural baths and the stunning villae maritimae, found from Posillipo to Punta Campanella [2]
University of Naples, for more than twenty years has been engaged in the application of mineralogical and petrographic studies of several ancient finds and monuments, especially of Campania region, such as Roman concrete, mortars, and ceramics, e.g., [3,4,5,6,7]

Summary

Introduction

The Campania region was renowned during ancient times as Campania felix, thanks to its climate, beautiful landscapes, and fertile land. Pompeii, and Herculaneum, the Campi Flegrei, which were often visited by rich Roman senators because of the natural baths and the stunning villae maritimae, found from Posillipo to Punta Campanella [2]. These sites, like other remarkable examples in the Campania region, are still preserved despite their location in an aggressive environment, such as the seaside, and the impact of waves and weathering, which is why they have been the object of many scientific studies. University of Naples, for more than twenty years has been engaged in the application of mineralogical and petrographic studies of several ancient finds and monuments, especially of Campania region, such as Roman concrete, mortars, and ceramics, e.g., [3,4,5,6,7].

Results

Discussion

Conclusion