Herodian Machaerus Fortress (Jordan): Investigation of Mortars Belonging to the Hydraulic Constructions

ABSTRACT

Machaerus Fortress, overlooking on a hilltop the Transjordan side of the Dead Sea, represents an important example of the Herodian defence structures. It was a model of engineering, considering both its military function and the offered quality-of-life. In fact, this site hosted hydraulic constructions with an estimated capacity of the reservoirs of 3000 m³ (3.000.000 l) per year, allowing people to have supply of potable water and for all the human activities. Given the unquestionable significance of this archaeological site, a comprehensive characterization of the mortars utilized, especially in the hydraulic structures, is here discussed. Therefore, the present work provides hints for new insights on the construction techniques utilized in this area, interesting both from the historical and from the engineering point of view. Moreover, the results here illustrated constitute a valid support in the decision making of compatible materials to be employed in future restoration works.

KEYWORDS:

• Bitumen
• dolomitic limestone
• gypsum binder
• Herodian defence structure
• hydraulic mortar
• materials characterization

Acknowledgments

The work was conducted as part of the activities foreseen in the framework of the “Project on high compatibility technologies and systems for conservation and documentation of masonry works in archaeological sites in the Mediterranean Area (INCO-MED PRODOMEA)” (Contract n° ICA3-CT-2002-10021). The authors are particularly grateful to Prof. Talal Akasheh and Prof. May Shaer of the Hashemite University for their support in the sampling campaign; to Prof. Cristina Sabbioni (ISAC-CNR), Prof. Giuseppe Zappia (Università Politecnica delle Marche), Prof. Luigi Marino (Università di Firenze), and Prof. Roberto Sabelli (Università di Firenze) for their scientific and technical support during the whole duration of Project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the “Project on high compatibility technologies and systems for conservation and documentation of masonry works in archaeological sites in the Mediterranean Area (INCO-MED PRODOMEA)” [Contract n° ICA3-CT-2002-10021]