Analytical characterisation of ancient mortars from the archaeological Roman city of Pollentia (Balearic Islands, Spain)

Analytical characterisation of historic mortars from the Roman city of Pollentia (Mallorca) has been carried out by means of thermal analysis (thermogravimetry (TG) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG)), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).The aim of this research is to provide useful information about the construction mode of the mortars which served for lining purposes in duct drains, cisterns, swimming pools, flooring mortars and wall renderings. The reported results converge to reveal the hydraulic nature of the majority of the mortars used for several hundred years to cover the diverse needs of the inhabitants of Pollentia. A fair correlation between the chemical characteristics of the studied mortars and the results of ancient Roman mortars from other archaeological sites has been established.