Conservation of the plaster at the Lavriotike ore washeries

Abstract eng:
Mineral ore exploitation of the Lavreotike in southeast Attica reached its apogee in the 5th-4th centuries B.C. with silver revenues from the site contributing to the glory of the Athenians. The most impressive testimonials to centuries of mining activity are the vestiges of hundreds of washeries, where a novel way of ore purification was introduced: the metal rich concentrate was gravitationally separated from waste through washing. A smooth waterproof plaster covers these ingenuous recycling structures, which were vital in the semi-arid environment where water was so scarce it had to be conserved and reused as efficiently as possible. Conservation work at the archaeological site of Ag.Triada focused on the repair of the lead-rich hydraulic plaster of four rectangular washeries. Exposure to the elements (frost, rain) led to the disaggregation and subsequent loss of both the plaster and tailings (plynites). Thorough analysis of authentic plaster (mineralogical/petrographic, chemical analysis, porosity, strength and granulometry) led to the design of compatible repair mortars, used to stabilize the weathered plaster.

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