Documenting Ancient Materials for a Digital Materials Library Project. The Case of Three World Heritage Sites in Algeria

A comprehensive analysis of three Roman-era World Heritage Sites in Algeria—Timgad, Djémila, and Tipaza—reveals the prevalence of clay-based materials, natural mineral stones, and wood as primary construction components. The study identifies these materials' diverse applications and origins, including both local sourcing and imported trade networks, providing critical insights for restoration efforts. This research contributes to a Digital Materials Library (DML) project aimed at supporting stakeholders in heritage conservation by documenting ancient materials systematically. The findings highlight the importance of understanding material provenance and availability for future reconstruction, addressing key challenges in preserving Algeria's built and archaeological heritage.

Allaouchiche, S., Kacher, S., & Sanz-Arauz, D. (2025). Documenting Ancient Materials for a Digital Materials Library Project. The Case of Three World Heritage Sites in Algeria. International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 19(12), 3335–3358. https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2025.2495960