The earliest use of lime and gypsum mortars in Cyprus

Abstract eng:
In Cyprus, lime and gypsum mortars have been used in architecture since the prehistoric period. Although the production of lime and gypsum seems to have been known since the Neolithic period, coinciding with the first permanent habitation on the island, it was widely disseminated in later periods. This paper is based on the first all-encompassing research derived from microscopic and laboratory analyses (chemical, mineral) of more than 100 samples collected from various pre-historic sites, followed by observations on their microstructure with the help of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Through this research the chronological development and successive use of ancient mortars on the island was identified. The position of Cyprus with respect to the rest of the ancient world in terms of the technology of construction materials was investigated, and matters were examined with regard to the origin, manufacture and selective use of these materials.

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