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Heritage
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Geosciences for Cultural Heritage and Archaeology
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Geosciences for Cultural Heritage and Archaeology

A special issue of Heritage (ISSN 2571-9408).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 January 2021) | Viewed by 23651

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Emma Cantisani

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Heritage Science, National Research Council of Italy, via Madonna del Piano 10, Ed. C, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
Interests: archaeometry; heritage science; building material characterization; architectural heritage; archaeological sites; geosciences
Dr. Silvia Vettori

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Heritage Science, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy
Interests: archaeometry; decay and alteration processes; archeological sites; geomaterials; non-invasive techniques; environmental monitoring

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the field of cultural heritage and archaeology, the role of geosciences is mandatory, not only for archaeometry, but also for conservation studies.

The Special Issue of Heritage titled “Geosciences for Cultural Heritage and Archeology” aims to publish works concerning multidisciplinary geoscience investigations applied to cultural heritage and archaeology. Papers dedicated to archaeometric and conservation studies on relevant monuments and artifacts, performed through invasive or non-invasive analyses, applied in situ and/or in a laboratory setting will be selected. Geosciences, in their broadest sense, and mineralogy, petrography, and geochemistry more specifically, are needed to explore issues related to the provenance, technology, and conservation of architectural, archaeological, and fine art objects.

Papers covering the characterization, dating, provenance, and technology of archaeological and artistic materials (i.e., stones, ceramics/bricks, plasters, mortars, gems and glasses, pigments and metals) will also be accepted.

Innovative conservation and restoration solutions, the development of new technologies and materials (i.e., nanotechnologies and nanostructured products, special coatings for stones, frescoes) will be also evaluated.

This Special Issue accepts papers on the following topics:

  • New data on stones, ceramics/bricks, plasters, mortars, gems and glasses, pigments, and metals for characterization and provenancing;
  • Dating of archeological materials;
  • Application of non-invasive on-site analyses for archaeometric studies;
  • Innovative conservation and restoration solutions for archaeological sites and building materials.

Dr. Emma Cantisani
Dr. Silvia Vettori
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Heritage is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • archaeometry
  • stones, ceramics/bricks, plasters, mortars, gems and glasses, pigments and metals
  • archaeological sites
  • non-invasive on-site analyses
  • new methodologies and new products for conservation and restoration

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 8627 KiB  
Article
Stone Architectural Decoration in Burji Era: The Northern Mausoleum in the Khanqah of Al-Nasir Faraj Ibn Barquq (Cairo). Contribution to the Knowledge and Conservation Assessment
by Alba Patrizia Santo, Francesco Di Benedetto, Carlo Alberto Garzonio, Elena Pecchioni, Teresa Salvatici and Michele Coppola
Heritage 2021, 4(1), 507-523; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage4010030 - 16 Mar 2021
Viewed by 3351
Abstract
The conservation of monuments in Cairo represents a complex matter, influenced by the cultural context, the intrinsic features of a vast and heterogeneous architectural heritage, and the environmental conditions. Monument vulnerability levels strongly need to be systematized to delineate adequate programs of control, [...] Read more.
The conservation of monuments in Cairo represents a complex matter, influenced by the cultural context, the intrinsic features of a vast and heterogeneous architectural heritage, and the environmental conditions. Monument vulnerability levels strongly need to be systematized to delineate adequate programs of control, management, and intervention. Despite their leading role in the Egyptian architectural heritage, many monuments experience a critical state of conservation. Here, we report the results of a multi-scale investigation of the northern mausoleum in the complex of the Khanqah of Al-Nasir Faraj Ibn Barquq, located in the Islamic cemetery of Al-Qarafa Al-Kubra (Cairo, Egypt). Our research aims to increase the knowledge on the decorative stones used in the mausoleum and their decay processes. The investigation has been focused on the two areas of the building covered by a colored stone-slabs pattern: the floor and the qibla wall. A detailed architectural survey, carried out through photogrammetric techniques, provided a three-dimensional morphological knowledge of the mausoleum, upgrading the available surveys made about 50 years ago. The distribution of the materials has been verified by visual analysis, integrated by the first detailed mineralogical and petrographic characterization made on this mausoleum. The digital survey of the stone surfaces and the mineralogical, chemical, and petrographic analyses allowed a systematic mapping of the decay phenomena and some insights on the morphological alteration of single elements. The obtained results indicate a capillary rise of groundwaters and airborne pollution as the main degradation processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geosciences for Cultural Heritage and Archaeology)
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19 pages, 9137 KiB  
Article
Pietra Alberese: Building Material and Stone for Lime in the Florentine Territory (Tuscany, Italy)
by Fabio Fratini, Emma Cantisani, Elena Pecchioni, Enrico Pandeli and Silvia Vettori
Heritage 2020, 3(4), 1520-1538; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage3040084 - 15 Dec 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4479
Abstract
The PietraAlberese is a marly limestone belonging to the Ligurian series (Monte Morello Formation of Eocene age). It is a material rarely mentioned in the historical Florentine architecture because the Pietraforte, the stone of the Medieval Florence and the Pietra Serena [...] Read more.
The PietraAlberese is a marly limestone belonging to the Ligurian series (Monte Morello Formation of Eocene age). It is a material rarely mentioned in the historical Florentine architecture because the Pietraforte, the stone of the Medieval Florence and the Pietra Serena, the stone of the Renaissance, were the main lithotypes commonly used in those periods. Nevertheless, the Pietra Alberese has been widely utilized to build the town, because it is the only limestone cropping out in this part of Tuscany allowing the production of lime. In Prato and Pistoia, the Pietra Alberese was also used as stone (e.g., ashlars) in the structures and façades of many public and religious buildings. In this work, the geological setting and a mineralogical, petrographic and physical characterization of Pietra Alberese used as building stone are proposed together with a discussion about its durability. Moreover, the different compositional and macroscopic characteristics of two lithotypes (namely the sasso alberese and sasso porcino) utilized to produce the two types of lime used in the local traditional architecture (calcina dolce and calcina forte) are highlighted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geosciences for Cultural Heritage and Archaeology)
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15 pages, 3962 KiB  
Article
Monitoring and Evaluation of Sandstone Decay Adopting Non-Destructive Techniques: On-Site Application on Building Stones
by Teresa Salvatici, Sara Calandra, Irene Centauro, Elena Pecchioni, Emanuele Intrieri and Carlo Alberto Garzonio
Heritage 2020, 3(4), 1287-1301; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage3040071 - 6 Nov 2020
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3930
Abstract
This paper focuses on the characterization approach to evaluate the decay state of Pietra Serena of historic buildings in Florence (Italy). Pietra Serena is a Florentine sandstone largely used in the city especially during the Renaissance; it is a symbol of cultural heritage [...] Read more.
This paper focuses on the characterization approach to evaluate the decay state of Pietra Serena of historic buildings in Florence (Italy). Pietra Serena is a Florentine sandstone largely used in the city especially during the Renaissance; it is a symbol of cultural heritage of Florence and constitutes a large part of the city center, which was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Unfortunately, many environmental factors negatively affect the stone, increasing damage and the danger of falling material. Any detachment of stone fragments, in addition to constitute a loss in cultural heritage, can be dangerous for citizens and the many tourists that visit the city. The use of non-destructive techniques (NDTs) as ultrasonic and Schmidt hammer tests can quantitatively define some mechanical properties and help to monitor the decay degree of building stone. In this study, the NDTs were combined with mineralogical, petrographical, chemical and physical analyses to investigate the stone materials, in order to correlate their features with the characteristics of the different artefacts in Pietra Serena. Correlations between the NDTs results and the compositional characteristics of the on-site stone were carried out; such discussion allows to identify zones of weakness and dangerous unstable elements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geosciences for Cultural Heritage and Archaeology)
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15 pages, 6345 KiB  
Article
Natural Stones Used in the Orsi-Marconi Palace Façade (Bologna): A Petro-Mineralogical Characterization
by Elena Marrocchino, Chiara Telloli, Martina Pedrini and Carmela Vaccaro
Heritage 2020, 3(4), 1109-1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage3040062 - 7 Oct 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3087
Abstract
Ancient buildings are important components of the Italian Cultural Heritage and, since the Etruscan Period, Bologna (north-eastern Italy) has always been one of the most flourishing cities both culturally and economically in the Italian and European panorama. The Orsi-Marconi Palace in Bologna presents [...] Read more.
Ancient buildings are important components of the Italian Cultural Heritage and, since the Etruscan Period, Bologna (north-eastern Italy) has always been one of the most flourishing cities both culturally and economically in the Italian and European panorama. The Orsi-Marconi Palace in Bologna presents a monumental façade decorated with many sandstone ornaments of the 16th century. Different samples from different parts of the façade of the building were collected and firstly characterised by macroscopic observations to determine the structural aspect. A petro-mineralogical study on the surfaces of the samples was conducted using a stereomicroscope and Optical Transmitted Light Polarized Microscopy. In addition, X-Ray Fluorescence and X-Ray Powder Diffractometer analyses were carried out to better understand the mineralogical composition of the sandstone materials used and the degradation products from the façades of this historical building. The aim of this work was to better understand how to revalue the sandstone decorations severely affected by deterioration phenomena. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geosciences for Cultural Heritage and Archaeology)
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17 pages, 4631 KiB  
Article
Brightly Colored to Stay in the Dark. Revealing of the Polychromy of the Lot Sarcophagus in the Catacomb of San Sebastiano in Rome
by Susanna Bracci, Donata Magrini, Rachele Manganelli del Fà, Oana Adriana Cuzman and Barbara Mazzei
Heritage 2020, 3(3), 858-874; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage3030047 - 27 Jul 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3879
Abstract
The Lot Sarcophagus is one of the most relevant funerary sculptures of late antiquity (mid-4th century AC). Some of the remarkable aspects are the following (i) it is still preserved in situ; (ii) most of the carved scenes are rarities or unicum; (iii) [...] Read more.
The Lot Sarcophagus is one of the most relevant funerary sculptures of late antiquity (mid-4th century AC). Some of the remarkable aspects are the following (i) it is still preserved in situ; (ii) most of the carved scenes are rarities or unicum; (iii) not all the sculpture work has been completed, which allows us to analyse the executive process; (iv) many traces of polychromy have remained. This paper is focused on the characterization of the residual polychromy by using in-situ non-invasive techniques. Furthermore, few micro samples were taken, to be analysed in laboratory to study the composition of some deposits and to define if a preparatory layer was present under the coloured layer. The data showed that the very rich polychromy of the Lot Sarcophagus was made of Egyptian blue, yellow ochre, and three different types of red: two inorganics (red ochre and cinnabar), and one organic-based (madder lake). Furthermore, some decorations, completely vanished and no longer visible to the naked eye, have been rediscovered, also providing details on the construction phases. During the project, the 3D model of the sarcophagus was acquired, which afterwards was used to map the results of the diagnostic campaign. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geosciences for Cultural Heritage and Archaeology)
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19 pages, 3523 KiB  
Article
Medieval Glassworks in the City of Ferrara (North Eastern Italy): The Case Study of Piazza Municipale
by Elena Marrocchino, Chiara Telloli, Sara Caraccio, Chiara Guarnieri and Carmela Vaccaro
Heritage 2020, 3(3), 819-837; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage3030045 - 17 Jul 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3585
Abstract
Compositional and structural characterization was carried out on transparent glass fragments found in a brick rubbish pit discovered in basal floor of the ducal palace of Ferrara, during the excavation of Piazza Municipale. This study aims to identify raw materials and glass-working techniques [...] Read more.
Compositional and structural characterization was carried out on transparent glass fragments found in a brick rubbish pit discovered in basal floor of the ducal palace of Ferrara, during the excavation of Piazza Municipale. This study aims to identify raw materials and glass-working techniques through X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) quantitative chemical analyses and semi-quantitative Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations. The studied fragments were produced using siliceous-lime sands with natron as flux, and allowed us to better understand the production technologies in a historical period of great innovation for European glass art. The numerous findings of glass fragments discovered in brick underground cellars built for the specific purpose of household rubbish of wealthy complexes in Ferrara testify a consolidated system of separate discharge of solid waste into underground containers, which were closed and sealed once filled. The high volume of the finds indicates the absence of recycling of accumulated materials due to the well-being of the city. Compositional analysis confirmed the local production of glass shops in Ferrara during the late Middle Ages, characterized by differences with the glasses of the nearby city of Venice. Morphological analyses also defined the nature and relative abundance of the products, exploring the types and compositions of the Ferrara glass art. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geosciences for Cultural Heritage and Archaeology)
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