Materials and Strategies for Conservation Interventions on Monuments of the Sassanid Period in Fars, Iran

ABSTRACT The present study deals with the definition of the necessary principles, methods and materials for conservation of the monuments in Firuzabad and Bishapur in the province of Fars in Iran, such as the remains of the Ardashir Palace and Anahita’s temple complex. Moreover, specifications are provided for the conservation interventions on these monuments, according to the international theoretical principles and rules, thus guaranteeing successful implementation of intervention methods and materials on these monuments of the world cultural heritage. The inspection of the monuments in 2009 by the scientific team of the Technical University of Crete resulted in the development of a framework for a conservation plan based on the characterisation of building materials and condition. More specifically, the analysis and characterisation of three gypsum mortars from the monuments in Fars provided invaluable information for the design of repair mortars with enhanced properties aiming at restoring these monuments.