Analysis and characterization of Hellenistic plasters

Abstract eng:
Renders and plasters have been continuously used for covering the masonry walls of dwellings even from the Neolithic period. This paper focuses on the analysis and characterization of an adequate number of covering mortar samples from monuments of Hellenistic period of Greece, dated from the 4th and 3rd C BC. The physico-mechanical and chemical characteristics of samples were determined and relationiships among proportions of the mortar costituents were estimated. The stratigraphy of mortar samples showed that they consisted of two or three layers, the depth of which decreased from the inner to the surface layer. The main binders were hydrated lime and natural pozzolan, while the aggregates gradation as well the Binder/Aggregate ratio varied according to the layer type (internal, intermediate, external). Based on the results, it can be concluded that even from Hellenistic times the role of covering mortars was clear and their technology definite. A carefully selected binding system was used, while additional parameters were taken into account in order to achieve the optimum performance and efficasy of the final material. Ancient masons applied mortars based mainly on lime or lime + pozzolan, in layers with specific technique, so as the covered façade of masonry to be more resistant to moisture and esthetically improved, so as to give the impression of artificial stone on which there was decoration.

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