Construction details against moisture in ancient Babylon and its surroundings

Babylon lays in a semi-desertic environment characterized by high temperatures and elevated thermal excursions during winter, with differences of 30 °C or more. This difficult climate is co-existing with a very elevated presence of humidity showing in various forms: atmospheric moisture, rain- and ground water, condensation. Moreover, a high presence of salts is evident in the whole region where during dry seasons flat surfaces become white. Temperature oscillation, moisture and salts together determine severe physical and chemical reactions and biological growth on and in adobe walls, resulting in a varied range of deterioration patterns. Historical constructors have evidently faced these concerns in ancient times and developed strategies to contain, when not eliminate, such threats. An accurate observation of the archaeological remains unveils the peculiar know-how of ancient builders, who put up skilled strategies to contain effects of the raising moisture and presence of salts on earthen walls. Examples have been investigated in different settlements in the Babil region, in Babylon, Borsippa and Kish. The ancient technological strategies observed are considered to be a great inspiration for the development of solutions for new construction. This contribution is a first compilation of case studies and analysis gathered in the frame of the conservation works of the Ninmakh Temple in Babylon, a project coordinated by World Monuments Fund and the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH).