A multi-analytical approach applied to the archaeometric study of mortars from the Forty Martyrs rupestrian complex in Cappadocia (Turkey)

Mortars and plasters from the Forty Martyrs rupestrian complex (Cappadocia, Turkey) were characterizedby means of different and complementary analytical techniques, in order to achieve evidence about the rawmaterials and the production technologies employed in the site dwelled by some of the first CappadocianChristian communities. The investigated area is constituted by rooms directly hewn in the volcanic depositsnamed “Fairy Chimneys” and included in the UNESCOWorld Heritage List. Archaeological studies attributeddifferent uses to the rooms, i.e. chapels, storages and wineries. The multi-analytical approach means toconfirm or to retract the archaeological thesis and to highlight probable differences in the production techniquesof the stone materials. In this regard, textural and compositional data of the binder and the aggregatefractions were collected by optical microscopy and electron microscopy coupled with microanalysis.Pigments and binder composition were investigated by Fourier transform infrared and micro-Ramanspectroscopy. Lastly, probable traces of organic residues were identified by gas chromatography coupledwith mass spectrometry. The obtained results allowed for identifying variations in the technical and compositionalcharacteristics of mortars and plasters which can be related to different uses of the rooms constitutingthe rupestrian complex.