Raw materials used in ancient mortars from the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Tournai (Belgium)
Jan Elsen|Gilles Mertens|Koen Van Balen
Abstract: Mortar samples from the Notre-Dame Cathedral at Tournai in Belgium have been investigated as part of a broader studyconsidering transition ancient cities and their rural territories Roman to late society transformation theearly Middle Ages. Masonry mortars used for flooring studied Imperial period, theCarolingian style period Romanesque (4th–11th century AD).A selected set has characterised using combination mineralogical, chemical microscopical techniques.This characterisation enabled us refine our knowledge mortar composition, original materials provenance.It appears that both chalk ‘‘hard’’ Tournaisian limestone were produce lime. Both locally available can yieldeither hydraulic or non-hydraulic The aggregates local origin. Additionally, several techniques wereapplied identify nature overburnt particles. low abundance this type Binder Related Particles Gallo-Roman Palaeo-Christian suggests technological knowledge, be it empirical theoretical, was available.Key-words: mortars, raw materials, provenance, lime binder, burning, hydraulicity, archaeometry.
European Journal of Mineralogy