Lime production in the Late Chalcolithic period: the case of Arslantepe (Eastern Anatolia)

Mignardi, S., De Vito, C., Botticelli, M. , Favero, G., Balossi Restelli, F., Marinacci, L., Alkhasoneh, S. and Medeghini, L. (2021) Lime production in the Late Chalcolithic period: the case of Arslantepe (Eastern Anatolia). Heritage, 4(1), pp. 91-104. (doi: 10.3390/heritage4010005)

Abstract

Plaster and mortar samples from Arslantepe (Turkey) hold potential to provide unique information about the lime production and adhibition during the Late Chalcolithic period (4th millennium BCE). A multi-analytical approach including polarized light microscopy (PLM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) has been applied to characterize mortar samples from temple C and elite residences dated back to the late Chalcolithic 3–4 (3800–3400 BCE). A marly limestone has been identified as starting raw material for the lime production, probably coming from two different sources (local and brought from a different part of the Malatya plain). Moreover, different aggregate selection and the use of different production techniques were also detected in the samples, which are probably related to the function of the buildings. Evidence of a re-plastering process was also detected in the two elite houses, which probably refers to a routine maintenance process.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This research was funded by Sapienza University of Rome, grant number Medeghini 2019.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Botticelli, Dr Michela

Creator Roles

Botticelli, M.: Data curation, Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Mignardi, S., De Vito, C., Botticelli, M., Favero, G., Balossi Restelli, F., Marinacci, L., Alkhasoneh, S., and Medeghini, L.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > History of Art
• Journal Name: Heritage
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 2571-9408
• ISSN (Online): 2571-9408
• Published Online: 12 January 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Heritage 4(1): 91-104
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License