Lime Production in the Late Chalcolithic Period: The Case of Arslantepe (Eastern Anatolia)

Plaster and mortar samples from Arslantepe (Turkey) hold potential to provide unique information about the lime production adhibition during Late Chalcolithic period (4th millennium BCE). A multi-analytical approach including polarized light microscopy (PLM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) has been applied characterize temple C elite residences dated back late 3–4 (3800–3400 marly limestone identified as starting raw material for production, probably coming two different sources (local brought a part of Malatya plain). Moreover, aggregate selection use techniques were also detected in samples, which are related function buildings. Evidence re-plastering process was houses, refers routine maintenance process.