High?performing mortar?based materials from the late imperial baths of Aquileia: An outstanding example of Roman building tradition in Northern Italy

This study provides the first detailed insight into composition and properties of structural mortars used in a 4th-century AD bath complex Aquileia, emblematic center Roman culture Northern Italy. Eighteen mortars, taken from different structures site, three stone samples vaulting opus caementicium have been analyzed adopting multianalytical approach integrating optical microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The compounds are outstanding, as revealed by formation hydraulic phases (i.e., Al-tobermorite AFm) most samples: waterproofing capabilities cocciopesto remarkable, anthropogenic (5.5 wt%) pool coating samples; lightweight vaults was guaranteed use porous caementa pozzolanic volcanic aggregates imported Gulf Naples, demonstrated petro-mineralogical features chemical analysis major trace elements. is proven case trade these building materials to north Italian peninsula. These outcomes shed new light on robust technical expertise local artisans Aquileia indicate that Cisalpina province no means peripheral reality Empire, far mortar-based concerned.