Publications

Pro130

Clay and gypsum mortars used during antiquity in Cyprus



Author(s): Maria Philokyprou
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the 5th Historic Mortars Conference
Editor(s): José Ignacio Álvarez, José María Fernández, Íńigo Navarro, Adrián Durán, Rafael Sirera
ISBN: 978-2-35158-221-3
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-222-0
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2019
Pages: 226-236
Total Pages: 11
Language : English


Abstract: Clay and gypsum constitute two of the most ancient, and at the same time, the most friable types of mortar used in architecture in Cyprus, as well as in other East Mediterranean countries. When used as plaster, they were most commonly placed over adobes due to their compatibility with such edifices, whereas clay was diachronically used as the main binding material between stones and adobes. The very simple methodology required for the preparation of clay and gypsum mortar made them perfect ecological materials. The research presented in this paper derived from a PhD thesis, as well as research programmes financed by the Research Promotion Foundation of Cyprus and the University of Cyprus. The results show the close relationship between the raw materials used, and the geology of the immediate environment of each settlement. On the other hand, the rather limited use of gypsum in the architecture of the island during the first periods of antiquity remains without explanation. Despite its limited use during these periods, gypsum was used more widely during the medieval time, as well as in the vernacular architecture of the 19th-20th century.


Online publication : 2019
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00


>> You must be connected to view the paper. You can register for free if you are not a member