New insights: Barbegal water mills
Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz used carbonate deposits to study Roman water mills in Barbegal, France. They traced operational history, maintenance practices, and technological advancements, revealing insights into ancient mill operations.
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Researchers have used carbonate deposits to reconstruct the history of the Roman water mills in Barbegal, Southern France, dating back to the 2nd century CE. The industrial complex consisted of 16 water wheels supplied by an aqueduct. By analyzing calcium carbonate deposits, researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz traced the operational life of the mills, revealing details such as the replacement of wooden water wheels and channels. Isotope analysis of the carbonate layers provided insights into the mill's service life and operating periods. The study also uncovered that the mills were operated separately and that the western side was abandoned earlier than the eastern side. Additionally, carbonate fragments from the water channels were repurposed after the mills were no longer in use. The findings were published in the journal Geoarchaeology, shedding light on the technological advancements and maintenance practices of ancient Roman water mills.
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