Herodian Machaerus Fortress (Jordan): Investigation of Mortars Belonging to the Hydraulic Constructions

Machaerus Fortress, overlooking on a hilltop the Transjordan side of the Dead Sea, represents an important example of the Herodian defence structures. It was a model of engineering, considering both its military function and the offered quality-of-life. In fact, this site hosted hydraulic constructions with an estimated capacity of the reservoirs of 3000 m3 (3.000.000 l) per year, allowing people to have supply of potable water and for all the human activities. Given the unquestionable significance of this archaeological site, a comprehensive characterization of the mortars utilized, especially in the hydraulic structures, is here discussed. Therefore, the present work provides hints for new insights on the construction techniques utilized in this area, interesting both from the historical and from the engineering point of view. Moreover, the results here illustrated constitute a valid support in the decision making of compatible materials to be employed in future restoration works.