BackgroundArchaeological limestone artifacts are subject to several deterioration factors that can cause harm while they are buried in soil, such as wet salt soil. Thus, one of the biggest challenges is restoring limestone artifacts that have been discovered from excavations. Understanding the nature of limestone after extraction and the resulting alterations, such as the stone's structural instability and the high salt content of the artifacts, are prerequisites for the restorer. In 1974 AD, King Ramesses III's gate was excavated from the ancient Heliopolis Temple in Cairo. The stones were removed from the soil and left on display outdoors at the same excavation site, where they were subject to seasonal variations in temperature and environmental changes. The main objective of the research is to select the best consolidating materials suitable for the pieces of limestone stone artifacts discovered from archaeological excavations due to their special nature, which affects them as a result of their presence in burial soil for long time. Selecting appropriate consolidating materials with appropriate characteristics was important. In order to withstand a range of environmental circumstances. The characteristics of the ancient stones at the King Ramesses III Gate site were investigated and analyzed to ascertain their true state, and their percentage of damage was calculated by contrasting them with the identical natural limestone that had not been subjected to any harmful influences. After that, experimental samples were used, and the efficacy of the treatment materials was assessed.ResultExperimental study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of some traditional and nano composites materials to improving the properties of stone artifacts extracted from archaeological excavations. Three consolidating solutions were used as follows, paraloid B72 dissolved in acetone 3%, and Calcium hydroxide nanoparticles dissolved in paraloid polymer with acetone at concentrations of 1% and 3%, in addition to nano calcium carbonate dissolved in paraloid polymer with acetone 1% and 3%. The efficiency of the consolidate materials were evaluated using a scanning electron microscope SEM, as well as measuring the water contact angle, in addition to color change testing and measuring the physical and mechanical properties.ConclusionNano materials are considered better than paraloid B72 as a consolidated material and the best outcomes results were obtained with a nano calcium carbonate dissolved in paraloid polymer with acetone 3%.
The Han Dynasty Ruins in Chengcun Village of Wuyishan City, also known as the Ruins of the Imperial City of the Minyue Kingdom, are located on the hilly slope southwest of Chengcun Village, Xingtian Town, Wuyishan City, Fujian Province, China. These are ruins of a Han Dynasty city. Wuyi Mountain's World Cultural and Natural Heritage Committee declared it a World Heritage Site in 1999. It is also the only imperial city site from the Han Dynasty that has been declared a World Heritage Site in China, and it is the most well-preserved large-scale imperial city site from the Middle Ages on the Pacific Rim. This study used comprehensive archaeological techniques, including archaeological excavation work, site information recording, erosion situation analysis, and geological surveys, to design and implement protective engineering projects in response to existing problems. In this study, the researchers conducted a geological survey of the study area to analyze the topography, rock and soil distribution characteristics, groundwater storage conditions, and geotechnical engineering conditions. At the same time, they explored the preservation status of the site, including the preservation status of the East Gate and the East City Wall, and they analyzed the causes of damage. Finally, the investigation and analysis results guided the design of a site display project, which included safeguarding against collapse and erosion, treating trees and shrubs, and designing the exhibition project for the East Gate. This study provides some practical reference for the excavation and archaeological work of the royal city in the surrounding areas. At the same time, in terms of the technical process of the project, it is also hoped to provide ideas for international ancient city excavation, display, and protection projects.