Abstract:

In this paper, we present the first results of an interdisciplinary investigation in progress, developed by specialists in archaeometry, archaeology and conservation-restoration, on a set of samples, commonly called opus signinum pavements, recovered from the Roman site of the Costa de la Serra (la Secuita, Tarragona). The samples have been analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and petrographic microscope. The goal was to collect all possible information about these mortars (composition, method of preparation, etc.), before undertaking the conservation and restoration work. Besides, we intend to highlight the importance of this type of pavement, often underestimated, as well as to emphasize on the relevance of working in multidisciplinary teams, which contribute to the preservation of our heritage.