The importance role of the analytical approach in the study of the ancient mortar: state of art

The aim of this paper is to describe and highlight the role of the mortars used by man through history in order to further understand the building technologies. Moreover the important role played by the analytical studies in the identification of this particular artificial material is emphasized. The study of the ancient mortars, used over the centuries improve our knowledge of the “Material Culture.” It provides information about raw materials, technologies and processes as well as data that are important from the historical standpoint and for the restoration of works of art. For example the petrographic analysis alone is able to provide data which permit a detailed reconstruction of production methods. Scientific analyses, together with data obtained from historical sources, have brought to life materials which otherwise would have remained “dead.” These methods make it possible to reconstruct specific details of the monuments reviewed and furthermore, they clearly reveal how much of this ancient knowledge methods has been completely lost to the detriment of “history” and present.