Blood, Brick and Legend: The Chemistry of Dracula's Castle
19 days ago
- #archaeological chemistry
- #Vlad the Impaler
- #medieval materials
- Study of a medieval brick from Cetatea Poenari, Vlad the Impaler's citadel, using XRF and SEM-EDS.
- Vlad III of Wallachia, known as Vlad the Impaler, inspired the Dracula legend.
- Analysis reveals brick composition: Si (48%), Al (16%), Fe (12-15%), with traces of Ca, K, Mg, Ti, Na, Zr, Mn, and Zn.
- Brick materials sourced locally from Carpathian Mountains, indicating practical medieval construction methods.
- Findings suggest moderate firing temperatures (750-900°C) and use of local river sands and clays.
- Presence of hematite confirms oxidizing firing environment; quartz grains indicate deliberate sand tempering.
- Calcium minerals like calcite and gypsum likely formed post-construction due to weathering.
- Poenari's bricks exemplify durable, locally sourced materials and skilled craftsmanship.