The aim of this paper is to describe and highlight the role of artificial stone materials used by man through history in order to further the understanding of history itself. The study of artificial materials such as mortar, plaster, ceramics, etc. made and used over the centuries, augments our knowledge of the "Material Culture." It provides information about raw materials, technologies and processes as well as data that are important from the historical standpoint and for the restoration of works of art. Specifically, the paper reviews some examples of ancient mortars used in the Florence area. Petrographic analysis alone was able to provide of data which permitted a detailed reconstruction of production methods. Scientific analyses, together with data obtained from historical sources, have brought to life materials which otherwise would have remained "dead." These methods make it possible to reconstruct specific details of the monuments reviewed and furthermore, they clearly reveal how much of this ancient knowledge and the methods have been completely lost to the detriment of "history" and the present.