Multianalytical Approach in the Characterization of Lime Mortars of Temple of Diana, Mérida

Abstract

Mérida, Emerita Augusta, became an important center of Roman power in the region. The Temple of Diana was which constructed as a holy place in Mérida in the first century AD also has formed a central part of the Roman Forum. Although in the sixteenth century Palace of Conde was incorporated in the interior hall of the temple which is very well-conserved and attract attention with its still standing original Corinthian columns. It is part of Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida which was declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993. In this study, Roman mortars of the Temple of Diana (Fig 1) that are collected from different parts of the religious monumental building were characterized by means of different analytical techniques. Mineralogical analyses were carried through optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGADSC), color spectrometry, Raman and chemical analyses were conducted by X-ray flourescence (XRF). The results of the analyses reveal that all samples have variety of igneous and metamorphic rock fragments and angular to semi-angular quartz feldspar biotite aggregates embedded in a carbonated lime binder (Fig 2). Colors of mortar samples vary in white-yellow range with high luminosity. Microscopic and XRD analysis results reveal the micritic calcitic binder and quartz feldspar and biotite aggregates with rock fragments. Some of the mortars have the ceramic content and lime lumps. Two samples include gypsum which could be also proved by Raman and XRF analysis. According to TGA analysis except two samples, they have hydraulic properties.