Plasters and mortars from the theatre in Nea Paphos (Cyprus): A multidisciplinary study

A multidisciplinary analysis of plasters and mortars from the Hellenistic-Roman theatre in Nea Paphos, Cyprus, reveals that local workforces skillfully utilized available raw materials to create durable, high-performance construction mixtures. The study employed petrographic analysis, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy to characterize elemental, mineralogical, and chemical properties of the samples. Findings indicate a strategic selection of plaster and mortar types for specific functions, with natural hydraulic lime (NHL) linked to water-related structures. This demonstrates advanced technological knowledge in ancient Cyprus, enabling the creation of resilient materials that have endured for centuries.

Pizzo, P., Válek, J., Kozlovcev, P., Frankeová, D., & Viani, A. (2024). Plasters and mortars from the theatre in Nea Paphos (Cyprus): A multidisciplinary study. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 57, 104595. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2024.104595