45068
Accession Number
16834
Title Of Article Chaper
A Unique cement from Athens
Title Of Journal Book
Hesperia
Volume
29
Pages
118-122
Literature Type
Serial
Literature Level
Analytic
Abstract
A so-called clay core from a 5th century B.C. bronze head found in the Agora in Athens was analyzed. It was found to be a mixture of calcium carbonate (over 65%) and highly purified beeswax. The original mixture was evidently calcium oxide and beeswax. This was duplicated by mixing calcium oxide and beeswax approximately 2:1; the mixture is plastic when soft and rock-like when cold. This cement may have been used to secure the eyes of the head and to strength en the attachment of the topknot and the attachment of the head to the body. In a sample of 1st-2nd century A.D. Roman cement lead oxide, which altered to lead carbonate, was used instead of calcium oxide with beeswax. It is pointed out that this beeswax mixture is unique, although examples of bitumen or resin mixed with clay and lime are known both from Greece and Mesopotamia as cements and fillings. -- AATA
pub_id
45068