Characterisation of Roman and Mediaeval renderings. The case of the remains found in archaeological excavations in the city of Valencia (Spain)

Abstract

Since antiquity man has rendered the interior and exterior of the spaces he has built and inhabited. The detailed analysis of samples of rendering from the Roman and Mediaeval period makes it possible to further explore the techniques used in their execution, in addition to comparing the built fabric and the knowledge presented in treatises. The samples analysed from archaeological excavations in the city of Valencia make it possible to define continuity features between the rendered constructions, especially Roman and Mediaeval interiors, and the characteristics of residential buildings in the city constructed or transformed in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. This article includes the results of the analysis and testing of the characteristics of a total of ten samples of historic renderings from the Roman (5), Islamic (4) and Mudejar periods (1). This eventually led to a morphological, physical–chemical and chemical–mineralogical study of 17 different mortars. However, the remains analysed were not the only source consulted. A detailed historical study based on several bibliographical sources and specific fiches also uncovered interesting aspects of its material and construction. In addition, the information obtained was analysed both globally and individually, establishing relations between different archaeological samples and the renderings of the historic façades of the city, thus revealing important aspects of the technical and material evolution of the continuous renderings in the city of Valencia.