A multi-analytical approach for studying ancient restoration materials

The contribution includes a brief review of papers containing analytical data on ancient repairs from Prehistory to Roman Age, the description of main organic and inorganic materials used in ancient restoration works and their identification by means of a multi-analytical approach. In the second part, the paper focuses on the exceptional context of Hierapolis of Phrygia (Denizli, Turkey), where ancient materials used in the restoration of Roman Imperial-era buildings have been identified and examined in depth. The well-preserved architecture of the Phrygian city and the great number of repairs and restoration to its monuments offer the ideal conditions to gain a deeper understanding of the history of ancient technologies, with a focus on the artificial materials used in the restoration. The results of these archaeometric investigations are presented in relation to the architectural context, the function of the pieces and our knowledge on the artificial glues for stones. The close integration among archaeological, archaeometric and textual approaches makes it possible to advance some new considerations on the use of bonding mortars and treatments, the logic of selection of ingredients and their concrete methods of use.