Investigation protocols for dating defence architecture

This article was instigated by an awareness of the complete absence of studies aimed at dating both monumental and minor historical architectures in Sardinia. This situation led us to begin our research with the analysis of fortified systems, such as urban and suburban walls, castles, fortresses, bunkers, and defence and lookout towers. These systems were chosen because they are usually in a rather precarious condition, which greatly facilitates the analysis of masonry structures, both in elevation and in sections. Furthermore, they are generally philologically dated and may therefore represent a benchmark for dating other architectures, particularly ‘minor’ structures, which are otherwise difficult to be placed chronologically. The research, which is still in progress, is based on a multidisciplinary approach that includes the representation of historical architecture, the architectural history, the stratigraphy of the masonries and analysis techniques. From a construction point of view, the dimensions and materials used are also being investigated, with particular attention to the mineralogical and petrographic characteristics of the components. Following the collection of data through archaeometric and other investigations, management of the data plays a key role in the definition of chronological classes for similar construction techniques.