Find in Library
Search millions of books, articles, and more
Indexed Open Access Databases
Integrated multi-analytical screening approach for reliable radiocarbon dating of ancient mortars
oleh: Giulia Ricci, Michele Secco, Anna Addis, Anna Pistilli, Nereo Preto, Gian Pietro Brogiolo, Alexandra Chavarria Arnau, Fabio Marzaioli, Isabella Passariello, Filippo Terrasi, Gilberto Artioli
Format: | Article |
---|---|
Diterbitkan: | Nature Portfolio 2022-02-01 |
Deskripsi
Abstract Radiocarbon dating of the carbonate binder of historical mortars is a strategic research topic not lacking in complexities. The critical step is the separation of anthropogenic CaCO3-binder from other carbonate sources that could severely affect the resulting dates. Here we present a complete procedure for the processing and characterization of difficult mortars and of the separated binder fractions in order to assess a priori the chances of positively dating the mortar, and produce a binder fraction yielding the most reliable radiocarbon dates possible. Two complex architectural case studies from Northern Italy are presented and discussed in detail: the churches of Santa Maria Maggiore (Lomello, Pavia) and Santa Maria (Torba, Varese). The results support that both the reliability assessment and the successful radiocarbon dating are possible through a multi-analytical approach encompassing mineralogical and petrographic characterization, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, measurement of carbon and oxygen stable isotopes, and optical cathodoluminescence.