The technology of ancient lime mortars from the Żejtun Roman Villa (Malta)

Abstract Studies on original mortars can greatly assist archaeological interpretations, as elucidating the composition of such gives clues origin raw materials, manufacturing technology, and construction phases a site. This article presents multi-analytical characterisation 24 plasters from Żejtun Roman Villa, Malta, to support hypotheses history The samples, belonging at least three distinct included in stratigraphy site, were analysed using polarised light microscopy (PLM), scanning electron (SEM–EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TGA/DSC), fluorescence (XRF), ion chromatography (IC), stable isotope analysis ( 13 C 18 O). assessment results through correlations with evidence identifies five types varying degrees hydraulicity. These are associated different development site distinctive uses mainly produced local resources, except Early period when natural pozzolanic materials started being used. As there no pozzolans Maltese Islands, it is hypothesised that used aggregate imported Islands neighbouring volcanic regions. was especially abundant one mortar types, which bedding for floors.