Ancient Roman Mortars from Villa del Capo di Sorrento: A Multi-Analytical Approach to Define Microstructural and Compositional Features

This research provides a characterization of ancient Roman mortars from “Villa del Capo di Sorrento” (commonly known as Pollio Felice” or “Bagni della Regina Giovanna”). A deepened analysis cementitious binding matrix and aggregates was conducted with the aims determining possible sources raw materials mix recipe, to evaluate minerogenetic secondary processes. Twenty samples taken Villa were investigated by means multi-analytical approach, including polarized optical microscopy on thin sections, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron analysis, energy dispersed spectrometry, simultaneous thermal analyses, mercury intrusion porosimetry. Bedding made slaked lime mixed volcanic materials, whereas coating adding previous recipe ceramic fragments. All classified hydraulic mortars. Cementitious characterized gel-like C-A-S-H, calcite, hydrocalumite, gypsum, deriving lime/pozzolanic material. Geomaterials used for mortar production had local origin. Pozzolanic such fragments, scoriae, pumice, crystal fragments derived both pyroclastic rocks Campi Flegrei district Somma-Vesuvio complex; porosity test suggest that products related processes, make more resistant.