The medieval lime mortars for carrying out dating of monuments (on the example of objects of Abkhazia of the 2-11th c.)

Abstract

Results of research on development of complex techniques of chemical, petrographic, Xray phase and X-ray diffraction methods of medieval lime mortars studying are presented in the article. 12 samples from New Afon, Abkhazia have been studied. Results of analyses have confirmed estimated dates of the second defense line of Anacopia fortress foundation within 570-580 y., reconstruction of Gate tower in 910 – 930 y. and entrance gate – the 950th y. The analysis of lime mortars from screen church near Anacopia (Akuach’s temple) has given time of 650-680 y. Has been revealed that gate in citadel wall have been constructed at the end of II in AD, western tower of a citadel – 680-690 y., reconstruction of the temple of Feodor has been made in 910-930 y. Data of results of a complex research of lime mortars are supported by the documents of the Roman period (2nd century AD), the Byzantine period of the end of the 6th century, construction activity of Abkhazian archons-tsars in the VII-X centuries. The offered methods of researches allow to reconsider the developed approaches to studying of limy mortars and their dating.