Innovative Roman Building: Geomaterials, Construction Technology and Architecture of the Roman Temple of Venus (Phlegraean Fields, Italy)

Abstract The aim of this research is to characterize the geomaterials used for the construction of the Temple of Venus, located in the Phlegraean Fields area (Southern Italy), through a multi-analytical approach involving petrographic and mineralogical analysis. The 9 samples characterized for this study are mortars, bricks, building stone, tuff, volcanic scoria and lava, along with efflorescence. This study highlighted the following main results: (a) mortars are lime-based, hydraulic, containing a volcanic aggregates linked to the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff formation of Phlegraean Fields; (b) bricks are characterized by both silico-clastic and volcanic fractions ascribable to sedimentary transport or artificial addition; (c) scoria has a Vesuvian provenance given the presence of leucite crystals; (d) tuff sample is genetically linked to the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff formation of Phlegraean Fields; (e) lava has a trachytic texture linked to Phlegraean Fields products, containing microlites of alkali feldspar in the groundmass; (f) efflorescence is made up of halite. The goal that has been set is to deepen the knowledge about the skills acquired by the Romans for the preparation and the use of geomaterials. This information may be useful for future restoration interventions of Temple of Venus.