Byzantine mortars of the Negev Desert

The choice of appropriate materials for restoration of historical buildings depends on scientific data from the analysis of materials used for the original construction. In this study the results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses of different Byzantine mortars from a church in the Negev Highlands, Israel, are considered. Moreover, the possibility for the production of lime in this area and its use as a mortar binder are discussed. It was concluded that the mortar for floor was prepared on the basis of local loess. The mortar for wall stonework contained lime as a binder.