Dating of mortars from Kastelli hill, Chania based on their physicochemical analyses

Abstract The study of mortars plays a crucial role in determining the chronology of construction phases. According to the database of mortars analysed from historical monuments in Crete and other areas of Greece, significant differences in mortar composition are observed across historical periods. In the present study, 14 mortars from Kastelli Hill and Katre Street in Chania, originating from the fortified wall and neighboring buildings, are analysed. The physico-chemical and mineralogical analysis aims at clarifying the nature of mortars, their manufacturing technology, and, in particular, to compare different construction phases. In addition, comparing historically identified mortars with those under study reveals similarities and differences across construction phases. The indicators considered include the trace elements of aggregates and binder, the characteristics of aggregate grain size, the type of binder (hydraulic or aerial), and the presence of pozzolanic additives. The comparisons indicated that the mortars from the wall were manufactured during the early Roman period, since they are successfully compared with the mortars of buildings identified at that time.