Characterization of mortars from the medieval Abbey of Cerrate (southern Italy)

Mortars from the walls of S. Maria di Cerrate Abbey (South Italy) ranging in age from the 12th to the 20th century, were studied using a multidisciplinary approach designed to produce a guideline of investigation that can be applied to the knowledge and preservation of archaeological sites. The analyses highlighted the differences between medieval and post-medieval mortars; the former showed a dominantly carbonate aggregate, the latter a mostly siliciclastic aggregate. Among these, mortars dated from the XVI-XVII centuries display a mixed siliciclastic-carbonate binder whereas mortars from the XIX-XX centuries exhibit a predominantly carbonate binder with the Al-silicates mostly gathered as lumps.