A Novel Tool to Solve the Vesuvian Heritage Conservation Dilemma
In most Vesuvian sites, and particularly in Pompeii, archaeologists and conservators face a major challenge when analyzing standing architectural remains: distinguishing original Roman masonry from restorations carried out between the late 18th and 20th centuries, which are often inadequately recorded in the technical reports produced at the time. Because past restorers frequently adopted a strict philological approach, seamlessly reusing original ancient stones and bricks, these later interventions are visually almost identical to the originals. But where visual analysis falls short, geochemistry can offer a definitive solution.
The Geological Clock
To address this issue, the MoReS project introduces an innovative methodology based on tephrochronology. Considering that Vesuvian mortars often contain pumice derived from multiple eruptive cycles - from prehistory to the 1944 eruption - and that each of these events is characterized by a distinct geochemical fingerprint and a well-defined magmatic evolution, our research aims to isolate the specific chemical signatures of Vesuvian pumice deposited by eruptions occurring between 79 AD and 1944. The underlying principle is both simple and robust: since Pompeii was completely buried in 79 AD, the presence of pumice from 79 AD and post-79 AD eruptions within a mortar sample serves as an absolute chronological marker. It provides unequivocal evidence that the material does not belong to the original Roman construction phase, but rather to a later restoration.
Current Lab Work and Future Goals
We are currently analyzing thin sections of mortars collected from the Sarno Baths in Pompeii (Figures 1, 2) using Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) testing, in two laboratories of the University of Padova (Department of Geosciencens and CEASC – Center for Analysis and Services for the Certification) different equipment and analytical parameters (Fig. 3). Rather than exclusively pursuing the highest-resolution data from the most sophisticated and advanced instrumentation, our objective is to identify an optimal balance between analytical precision and operational practicality.
By striking this balance, MoReS aims to establish a rapid, accessible, and standardized protocol for geochemical data extraction (Fig. 4), designed to be readily replicated in other laboratories using standard, widely available instrumentation. Ultimately, this will equip the scientific community and heritage professionals with a reliable new tool to accurately read the construction history of ancient buildings, ensuring the continued safeguarding of our invaluable Cultural Heritage.
About MoReS
The Gerda Henkel Stiftung has officially awarded funding to the MoReS project (Unveiling Modern Restorations in Pompeii: A Novel Tool to Solve the Vesuvian Heritage Conservation Dilemma), carried out with the approval and support of the Parco Archeologico di Pompei (ref. Giuseppe Scarpati, dir. Gabriel Zuchtriegel).
Led by Principal Investigator Simone Dilaria and hosted by the Department of Cultural Heritage - University of Padua, the research activities are now fully underway.
