Abstract
This paper examines the role of mortars and plasters in the construction process during the Roman period and seeks to elucidate the chaîne opératoire from the production of the main ingredients — lime and aggregate — to their application in structures, based on archaeological, visual and archaeometric data. As well as looking at the actual processes involved, it also considers the functional requirements of the mortars and plasters and the economic implications of their use, especially the nature and cost of transport, which may have led to particular choices being made by Roman builders; it also considers the supply of materials in terms of the logistics of construction. The emphasis is on mortared rubble construction, which was a particular development of the Roman period from the second century BCE and required much larger quantities of lime than previous building techniques. Attention is also paid to the human actions involved and the tools employed.
Highlights
Since mortars and plasters are in themselves composite materials, and mortar itself is an essential part of another composite material, their role in the construction process is necessarily complex
Roman architects or builders had to identify suitable sources of raw materials for the binder and aggregate. These had to be extracted and given any preliminary processing at the extraction site, before their transport to the construction site, where further preparation occurred, before the two components were mixed to form the mortar or plaster which was used in construction or decoration
The emphasis here is on mortared rubble construction, which was a particular development of the Roman period from the second century BCE and required much larger quantities of lime than previous building techniques
Summary
Since mortars and plasters are in themselves composite materials, and mortar itself is an essential part of another composite material, their role in the construction process is necessarily complex. Since mortar or plaster was needed at all stages of construction from the foundations to finishing, establishing and maintaining a supply of lime may have been one of the priorities at the very inception of any building project and vital for extra-large ones like city walls, permanent military camps (e.g. at Tipasa, Baradez 1957), infrastructure projects like aqueducts or harbour works and major public buildings (e.g. the Baths of Caracalla in Rome, DeLaine 1997, 111–114 and 189–191).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
