Terra Rossa

Terra Rossa was found in the surrounding areas of the Jesus tomb discovery. Also known as rhodoxeralfs, terra rossa is an archaeological term referring to reddish clay soil that develops on or around limestone. Limestone is sedimentary rock that is largely composed of calcium carbonate. Sedimentary rock like limestone are considered biogenic and contain materials that are generated by living organisms. Terra rossa is characterized by its bright red color.

Terra Rossa Location

Terra Rossa soil is most commonly found in Mediterranean climates where cool and wet winters alternate with dry summers. It is usually found overlying bedrock such as crystalline limestone or marble, or else over calcium carbonate deposits of terrestrial or marine origin.

Terra Rossa Formation

There is debate surrounding the exact nature of terra rossa formation. Three main processes have been proposed regarding the soil's origins:

• Decalcification. This is a process involving the loss of calcium or calcium compounds from organic material such as teeth and bones.
• Rubification. This is a process in which iron is released from primary minerals and form free iron oxides that coat soil particles with a thin reddish layer.
• Bisiallitization or Monosiallitization. This is typically a weathering process involving the formation of minerals consisting of aluminum and silicates.

Whether terra rossa is a residual formation of underlying rocks or caused by an unrelated process is still a matter of debate. Nonetheless, terra rossa soil is a common feature of many archaeological sites.