Archaeometric analysis of a fragment of molded stucco cornice with rope from the House of the Mithraeum (Mérida, Spain)

Abstract During the excavations carried out since 2017 in House of Mithraeum (Casa del Mitreo) Mérida a collection paintings was recovered from Room 11, which had been abandoned late 3rd c. CE after fire. The remains included fragments molded stucco cornices, with braided esparto grass ropes on reverse that were used to attach them ceiling. This article presents descriptive and technical study finds their compositional analysis using scanning electron microscopy X-ray diffraction. Data resulting these analyses allow us understand fragments’ composition execution, even possible circulation workshops raw materials.