Graduate Student, Archaeology
D.Phil Student
St Cross
Thesis Title: Investigation of the agency and expertise of ancient Roman builders through material analysis of concrete samples from Ostia, Italy
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Mark Pollard
Janet DeLaine Marie Jackson |
About
I am interested in scientific applications in archaeology, specifically, material analysis and geoarchaeology. I primarily study ancient architecture, hoping to understand the original construction processes through micro-analysis of material from standing structures.
I am currently researching ancient lime mortar and concrete from Ostia, Italy. Although my research is material-based and analytical, my specific interest is actually the ancient builders. Where did they get their materials? Why were certain materials preferred over others? How were the materials processed and mixed together? How did builders’ choices affect the concrete and its performance? Were the same mix types used for both public and private structures? Why is this stuff still standing? These are the types of questions driving my research, and I am looking to answer them by investigating and describing the material properties of the concrete in terms of performance and durability.
