Aqua Traiana, a Roman infrastructure embedded in the present: the mineralogical perspective

Botticelli, M. , Calzolari, L., De Vito, C., Mignardi, S. and Medeghini, L. (2021) Aqua Traiana, a Roman infrastructure embedded in the present: the mineralogical perspective. Minerals, 11(7), 703. (doi: 10.3390/min11070703)

Abstract

Construction materials from the internal ducts of Aqua Traiana, a still operative Roman aqueduct built in 109 AD to supply water to Rome, were characterized by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA). Petrographic analysis and XRPD revealed that mortar aggregates are compatible with Vitruvius’ harena fossicia and allowed the distinction of the original mortars from those of the 17th-century papal restoration. The first showed an amorphous binder while the latter have a typical lime binder. By SEM-EDS and EMPA, the microstructure of mortar aggregates was analyzed and the composition of specific minerals quantified. Microanalysis testifies the Romans’ great expertise in the selection of pozzolanic building materials, giving evidence of the possible use of local tuffs from the Sabatini Volcanic District. It also confirms the exploitation of red pozzolan from the Roman Magmatic Province, specifically from the Alban Hills district. OM also proves a high compatibility with local supplies for bricks and cocciopesto. Of these, the first were fired at moderately low temperature, while the latter show an amorphous binder as in the original Trajan mortars. All building materials thus stand for similar technological choices and a coeval production.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Financial support was provided by “Sapienza” University of Rome–Progetto Ateneo 2019 Medeghini.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Botticelli, Dr Michela

Creator Roles

Botticelli, M.: Data curation, Investigation, Writing – original draft

• Authors: Botticelli, M., Calzolari, L., De Vito, C., Mignardi, S., and Medeghini, L.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > History of Art
• Journal Name: Minerals
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 2075-163X
• ISSN (Online): 2075-163X
• Published Online: 29 June 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Minerals 11(7): 703
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License