Abstract
Plaster and mortar samples from Arslantepe (Turkey) hold potential to provide unique information about the lime production and adhibition during the Late Chalcolithic period (4th millennium BCE). A multi-analytical approach including polarized light microscopy (PLM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) has been applied to characterize mortar samples from temple C and elite residences dated back to the late Chalcolithic 3–4 (3800–3400 BCE). A marly limestone has been identified as starting raw material for the lime production, probably coming from two different sources (local and brought from a different part of the Malatya plain). Moreover, different aggregate selection and the use of different production techniques were also detected in the samples, which are probably related to the function of the buildings. Evidence of a re-plastering process was also detected in the two elite houses, which probably refers to a routine maintenance process.
Highlights
Since ancient times, plaster has played an important role in human activities
Plastering technology spread through the Levant and Anatolia very early, during the Prepottery Neolithic (10th–9th millennia BCE), wherein early sedentary communities built houses and communal structures using stone, mud, and clay—all naturally available materials [3,4]
Gypsum and lime have been later used as binder in plasters, showing higher durability respect to mud and clay
Summary
Plaster has played an important role in human activities. Mud was the first material used with this purpose in the Ancient Near East [2], as it still is in many parts of the world today. Plastering technology spread through the Levant (western regions of the Near East) and Anatolia very early, during the Prepottery Neolithic (10th–9th millennia BCE), wherein early sedentary communities built houses and communal structures using stone, mud, and clay (in various forms as wattle/daub, pies, or adobe)—all naturally available materials [3,4]. Most known and discussed is the massive use of strong plaster floors and walls of Levantine buildings since the 9th millennium BCE. Gypsum and lime have been later used as binder in plasters, showing higher durability respect to mud and clay
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