This project highlights the importance of an integrated planning of field and laboratory procedures for the success of the radiocarbon dating of mortar samples.



In this research bulk mortar analysis was complemented with lime lump analysis. The two materials were dated at different laboratories.



Results are discussed considering the historic and archaeological information available on the building and on the structure where the sample was collected

Heinemeier, Jan

Lancaster, Lynne

Lindroos, Alf

Pesce, Giovanni

Ringbom, Asa

Vecchiattini, Rita

Northumbria Research Link

Northumbria Research Link
Citation:  Vecchiattini,  Rita,  Lindroos,  Alf,  Pesce,  Giovanni,  Ringbom,  Asa,  Lancaster,  Lynne  and 
Heinemeier, Jan (2016) Optimisation of the radiocarbon dating process of mortar samples. A case 
study in the Colosseum, Rome (Italy). In: 8th International Symposium on 14C & Archaeology, 27th 
June - 1st July 2016, Edinburgh, UK. 
URL: 
This version was downloaded from Northumbria Research Link: http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/30158/
Northumbria University has developed Northumbria Research Link (NRL) to enable users to access 
the University’s research output. Copyright © and moral rights for items on NRL are retained by the 
individual author(s) and/or other copyright owners.  Single copies of full items can be reproduced, 
displayed or performed, and given to third parties in any format or medium for personal research or 
study, educational, or not-for-profit purposes without prior permission or charge, provided the authors, 
title and full bibliographic details are given, as well as a hyperlink and/or URL to the original metadata 
page. The content must not be changed in any way. Full items must not be sold commercially in any  
format or medium without formal permission of the copyright holder.  The full policy is available online: 
http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/pol  i cies.html  
This  document  may differ  from the  final,  published version of  the research  and has been made 
available online in accordance with publisher policies. To read and/or cite from the published version 
of the research, please visit the publisher’s website (a subscription may be required.)
                        
SAMPLING AND SAMPLES
Sampling work was carried out in 2001
as a part of the Åbo Akademi International
Mortar Dating Project.
The specimen dated in this study was 
carefully sampled in an interior brick wall
of the second room, west of the North
entrance of the Colosseum. The room
was probably built during the Flavian
period and it has always been well
covered and never restored.
The specimen was part of a mortar joint.
The sampling depth was >1-3 cm from
the surface of the wall. The mixture
contained grey pozzolana, red
pozzolana as aggregate, and white
inclusions.
In order to perform the test, the specimen
was split in two parts and each part was
analysed separately using different
preparation techniques, in different
laboratories.
The first part comprising the bulk mortar
(green) was sent to Århus University in Denmark
for the H3PO4 sequential hydrolysis
described in Heinemeier et al. 2010.
Sequential dissolution (5 CO2 fractions )
was applied to 2 pieces of the same part.
The second part (red) was crushed in
order to isolate some lime lumps.
These were sent to the the University
of Salento (Italy) where the lumps were
dissolved in H3PO4 according to the
typical procedure for carbonates as
described in Pesce et al. 2009.
RESULTS
Optimisation of the radiocarbon dating process of mortar 
samples. A case study in the Colosseum, Rome (Italy)
Rita Vecchiattini1, Alf Lindroos2, Giovanni Luca Pesce3, Åsa Ringbom2, Lynne Lancaster4, Jan Heinemeier5
1University of Genoa, Italy; 2Åbo Akademi University, Finland; 3Northumbria University, United Kingdom;
4Ohio University, Athens, US; 5Aarhus University, Denmark
CONCLUSIONS
Success of the radiocarbon dating of lime mortars, is based on a number of factors 
including the knowledge of the context in which the samples are collected and the 
laboratory procedure that follows the sampling work.
Different preparation techniques lead to similar radiocarbon ages (although with some 
differences).
Sequential dissolution of a few bulk mortar samples lead to similar radiocarbon ages 
as the total dissolution of a single lime lump. However, a combined calibration of five 
measurements lead to a narrower time span for the bulk mortar.
Preparation 
technique
δ13C (‰)
Radiocarbon 
age  (BP)
Calibrated age
Confidence 
level (partial 
data; %)
Confidence 
level (%)
Bulk mortar
(n=2;
5 CO2 fraction 
each piece)
- 1940±17
25 AD – 40 AD 13.4
68.2
45 AD – 80 AD 54.8
10 AD – 90 AD 86.5
95.4
100 AD - 130 AD 8.9
Lime lumps 
(n=1;
1 CO2 fraction)
-12.9±0.5 1979±45
40 BC – 70AD - 68.2
90 BC – 130 AD - 95.4
INTRODUCTION
This project highlights the importance of an integrated planning of field and laboratory 
procedures for the success of the radiocarbon dating of mortar samples.
In this research bulk mortar analysis was complemented with lime lump analysis. The 
two materials were dated at different laboratories.
Results are discussed considering the historic and archaeological information available 
on the building and on the structure where the sample was collected.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Authors are grateful to R. Rea and A. Delfino of the Soprintendenza Speciale per i Beni
Archeologici of Rome for their supervision during sample collection. Authors are also 
grateful to the Aarhus AMS Centre of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus 
University and to the CEnter for DAting e Diagnostics (CEDAD) of the University of 
Salento for their help in the radiocarbon dating of mortar.
CONTACT DETAILS
Rita Vecchiattini - Department of Sciences of Architecture, University of Genoa; Stradone S. Agostino, 37 16123, Genova, 
Italy; E: rvecchiattini@arch.unige.it 
Alf Lindroos - Åbo Akademi University; Domkyrkotorget 3, 20500 Åbo, Finland; E: alf.lindroos@abo.fi
Giovanni L. Pesce – Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Northumbria University; Ellison Place, Newcastle 
upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom; E: Giovanni.Pesce@northumbria.ac.uk
Åsa Ringbom - Åbo Akademi University; Domkyrkotorget 3, 20500 Åbo, Finland; E: aringbom@abo.fi
Lynne Lancaster – College of Arts and Sciences, Ohio University; 210H Ellis Hall, Athens, USA; E: lancaste@ohio.edu
Heinemeier Jan – Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University; Ny Munkegade 120, building 1522, 326, 8000 
Aarhus C, Denmark; E: jh@phys.audk
THE BUILDING
The Amphitheatrum Flavium (known as Colosseum or Coliseum) is an iconic public 
building constructed in Rome (Italy, Southern Europe) between the 70 and the 79 AD 
by the Roman Emperor Titus Flavius Vespasianus.
Despite the magnificent opening in the 80 AD, the construction works continued in the 
following years under the Emperor Domitian who modified the underground 
environments, the highest level of the cavea, and the external area.
After Domitian, Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD)
carried out further works, known as
Instauratio Amphitheatrum.
From then, the building has undergone a
number of destructions (generated by
events such as fires and earthquakes),
modifications and additions that have
heavily altered its original structures 
and finishes, in particular at ground level.
DISCUSSION
• A detailed architectonic and archaeological knowledge of both, building and 
sampling point allow a more precise evaluation of the radiocarbon results
• Both results include the historically known construction time of the building (70-79 
AD) within the confidence level 95.4%. However, only the result of the bulk mortars 
includes the construction time within the confidence level 68.2%.
• The bulk mortar samples show a narrower uncertainty, compared to the result 
obtained with the lime lumps technique. This is due to a combined calibration of 5 
measured CO2 fractions from 2 samples that was not available for the lime lumps.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES
Heinemeier, J., Ringbom, A., Lindroos, A., Sveinbjornsdottir, A. E., 2010. Successful 
AMS dating of non-hydraulic lime mortars from the medieval chchurch of the Aland 
island, Finalnd. Radiocarbon 52 (1), 171–204.
Pesce, G., Quarta, G., Calcagnile, L., D’Elia, M., Cavaciocchi, P., Lastrico, C., Guastella, 
R., 2009. Radiocarbon dating of lumps from aerial lime mortars and plasters: 
methodological issues and results from the S. Nicoló of Capodimonte church (Camogli, 
Genoa - Italy). Radiocarbon 51 (2), 867–872
(Colosseum 2Li)
(Colosseum 1Li
Colosseum 2Li)


Optimisation of the radiocarbon dating process of mortar samples. A case study in the Colosseum, Rome (Italy)

Citation: Vecchiattini, Rita, Lindroos, Alf, Pesce, Giovanni, Ringbom, Asa, Lancaster, Lynne and  Heinemeier,  Jan  (2016)  Optimisation  of  the  radiocarbon  dating  process  of  mortar samples. A case study in the Colosseum, Rome (Italy). In: 8th International Symposium on 14C & Archaeology, 27th June - 1st July 2016, Edinburgh, UK. URL: This  version  was  downloaded  from  Northumbria  Research  Link: http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/30158/Northumbria University has developed Northumbria Research Link (NRL) to enable users to access the University’s research output. Copyright © and moral rights for items on NRL are retained by the individual author(s) and/or other copyright owners.  Single copies of full items can be reproduced,  displayed or  performed,  and given to  third parties in  any format  or medium for personal research or study, educational, or not-for-profit purposes without prior permission or charge, provided the authors, title and full bibliographic details are given, as well  as a hyperlink and/or URL to the original metadata page. The content must  not  be changed in any way. Full items must not be sold commercially in any format or medium without  formal  permission  of  the  copyright  holder.   The  full  policy  is  available  online: http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/policies.htmlThis document may differ from the final, published version of the research and has been made available online in accordance with publisher policies. To read and/or cite from the published version of the research, please visit the publisher’s website (a subscription may be required.)SAMPLING AND SAMPLESSampling work was carried out in 2001as a part of the Åbo Akademi InternationalMortar Dating Project.The specimen dated in this study was carefully sampled in an interior brick wallof the second room, west of the Northentrance of the Colosseum. The roomwas probably built during the Flavianperiod and it has always been wellcovered and never restored.The specimen was part of a mortar joint.The sampling depth was >1-3 cm fromthe surface of the wall. The mixturecontained grey pozzolana, redpozzolana as aggregate, and whiteinclusions.In order to perform the test, the specimenwas split in two parts and each part wasanalysed separately using differentpreparation techniques, in differentlaboratories.The first part comprising the bulk mortar(green) was sent to Århus University in Denmarkfor the H3PO4 sequential hydrolysisdescribed in Heinemeier et al. 2010.Sequential dissolution (5 CO2 fractions )was applied to 2 pieces of the same part.The second part (red) was crushed inorder to isolate some lime lumps.These were sent to the the Universityof Salento (Italy) where the lumps weredissolved in H3PO4 according to thetypical procedure for carbonates asdescribed in Pesce et al. 2009.RESULTSOptimisat ion of  the radiocarbon dat ing process of  mortar samples. A case study in the Colosseum, Rome (I ta ly)Rita Vecchiattini1, Alf Lindroos2, Giovanni Luca Pesce3, Åsa Ringbom2, Lynne Lancaster4, Jan Heinemeier51University of Genoa, Italy; 2Åbo Akademi University, Finland; 3Northumbria University, United Kingdom;4Ohio University, Athens, US; 5Aarhus University, DenmarkCONCLUSIONSSuccess of the radiocarbon dating of lime mortars, is based on a number of factors including the knowledge of the context in which the samples are collected and the laboratory procedure that follows the sampling work.Different preparation techniques lead to similar radiocarbon ages (although with some differences).Sequential dissolution of a few bulk mortar samples lead to similar radiocarbon ages as the total dissolution of a single lime lump. However, a combined calibration of five measurements lead to a narrower time span for the bulk mortar.Preparation techniqueδ13C (‰) Radiocarbon age  (BP)Calibrated ageConfidence level (partial data; %)Confidence level (%)Bulk mortar(n=2;5 CO2 fraction each piece)- 1940±1725 AD – 40 AD 13.468.245 AD – 80 AD 54.810 AD – 90 AD 86.595.4100 AD - 130 AD 8.9Lime lumps (n=1;1 CO2 fraction)-12.9±0.5 1979±4540 BC – 70AD - 68.290 BC – 130 AD - 95.4INTRODUCTIONThis project highlights the importance of an integrated planning of field and laboratory procedures for the success of the radiocarbon dating of mortar samples.In this research bulk mortar analysis was complemented with lime lump analysis. The two materials were dated at different laboratories.Results are discussed considering the historic and archaeological information available on the building and on the structure where the sample was collected.ACKNOWLEDGMENTSAuthors are grateful to R. Rea and A. Delfino of the Soprintendenza Speciale per i BeniArcheologici of Rome for their supervision during sample collection. Authors are also grateful to the Aarhus AMS Centre of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University and to the CEnter for DAting e Diagnostics (CEDAD) of the University of Salento for their help in the radiocarbon dating of mortar.CONTACT DETAILSRita Vecchiattini - Department of Sciences of Architecture, University of Genoa; Stradone S. Agostino, 37 16123, Genova, Italy; E: rvecchiattini@arch.unige.it Alf Lindroos - Åbo Akademi University; Domkyrkotorget 3, 20500 Åbo, Finland; E: alf.lindroos@abo.fiGiovanni L. Pesce – Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Northumbria University; Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom; E: Giovanni.Pesce@northumbria.ac.ukÅsa Ringbom - Åbo Akademi University; Domkyrkotorget 3, 20500 Åbo, Finland; E: aringbom@abo.fiLynne Lancaster – College of Arts and Sciences, Ohio University; 210H Ellis Hall, Athens, USA; E: lancaste@ohio.eduHeinemeier Jan – Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University; Ny Munkegade 120, building 1522, 326, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; E: jh@phys.audkTHE BUILDINGThe Amphitheatrum Flavium (known as Colosseum or Coliseum) is an iconic public building constructed in Rome (Italy, Southern Europe) between the 70 and the 79 AD by the Roman Emperor Titus Flavius Vespasianus.Despite the magnificent opening in the 80 AD, the construction works continued in the following years under the Emperor Domitian who modified the underground environments, the highest level of the cavea, and the external area.After Domitian, Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD)carried out further works, known asInstauratio Amphitheatrum.From then, the building has undergone anumber of destructions (generated byevents such as fires and earthquakes),modifications and additions that haveheavily altered its original structures and finishes, in particular at ground level.DISCUSSION• A detailed architectonic and archaeological knowledge of both, building and sampling point allow a more precise evaluation of the radiocarbon results• Both results include the historically known construction time of the building (70-79 AD) within the confidence level 95.4%. However, only the result of the bulk mortars includes the construction time within the confidence level 68.2%.• The bulk mortar samples show a narrower uncertainty, compared to the result obtained with the lime lumps technique. This is due to a combined calibration of 5 measured CO2 fractions from 2 samples that was not available for the lime lumps.BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCESHeinemeier, J., Ringbom, A., Lindroos, A., Sveinbjornsdottir, A. E., 2010. Successful AMS dating of non-hydraulic lime mortars from the medieval chchurch of the Aland island, Finalnd. Radiocarbon 52 (1), 171–204.Pesce, G., Quarta, G., Calcagnile, L., D’Elia, M., Cavaciocchi, P., Lastrico, C., Guastella, R., 2009. Radiocarbon dating of lumps from aerial lime mortars and plasters: methodological issues and results from the S. Nicoló of Capodimonte church (Camogli, Genoa - Italy). Radiocarbon 51 (2), 867–872(Colosseum 2Li)(Colosseum 1LiColosseum 2Li)

http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/30158/1/Poster_14C_%26_Archaeology.pdf

Optimisation of the radiocarbon dating process of mortar samples. A case study in the Colosseum, Rome (Italy)

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

Northumbria Research Link

Northumbria Research Link

Northumbria Research Link