Earthquakes and the Durability of Pyramids in Ancient Mexico: Examining the Strength of Construction Materials and Techniques

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K20837
• Project/Area Number (Other): 18H05631 (2018)
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund (2019); Single-year Grants (2018)
• Review Section: 0103:History, archaeology, museology, and related fields
• Research Institution: Kyoto University of Foreign Studies
• Principal Investigator: Lopez Julieta 京都外国語大学, 京都外国語大学ラテンアメリカ研究所, 客員研究員 (80830067)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-08-24 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: メソアメリカ / 世界観 / ピラミッド / 耐震性 / 耐久性 / トラランカレカ / 考古科学分析 / 建築資材

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Until now, the previous studies about adobes had not focused on their chemical composition but on the difference in production and shape. However, the analysis of this project has allowed us to divide into at least three groups: it is considered that these can be similarly grouped according to strength and durability. Moreover, until today the bricks thought to be manufactured from the colonial era, it began in Tlalancaleca around 100 AD. This is the first report in the Mesoamerican studies. On the other hand, it was found that the coating technics were also developed to make it easier to draw murals on the pyramid. In addition, it was revealed that improvements in architectural design and building materials were associated with the eruption of the Popocatepetl volcano, leading to architectural innovation.

Free Research Field

考古科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

現在まで建築資材に関する研究は、これらを基に建造されたピラミッドの耐震性や耐久性を考慮してこなかった。本課題研究により、古代人はアドベの強度や外壁への塗装の効果性を考慮し改良を行っていたことが判明した。本課題研究で提示した方法論やデータは、今後この方面の研究の指標になると考えられる。一方、この改良は、火山による噴火と大きく関連していたという具体的な仮説を提示するに至った。これは、研究開始時に提示していた「建築資材や設計の改良はイデオロギーに関連する」との考えを補強するため、重要な知見を提供できたと考える。