Roman Marble Quarries Research Papers (original) (raw)

2025, ASMOSIA V

This paper discusses the issue of ancient quarrying activity at the Mani peninsula, southwestern Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece, and examines the available evidence from recent research conducted by the staff of the 5 th Ephorate of... more

This paper discusses the issue of ancient quarrying activity at the Mani peninsula, southwestern Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece, and examines the available evidence from recent research conducted by the staff of the 5 th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities (Sparta). The paper focuses on finds from two recently conducted excavations, the one at the quarry of a grayish limestone at the site Chamoleos-Xeropolyana, near Oitylo village, at the northwestern borders of Laconia, and the limestone quarry located at Latomas square at Alika village, in the southern Mani region. Reference will be made in recent research on ancient quarries from the broader area of Mani, contributing to a better understanding of this major source of economic activity in Laconia in Roman times.

2025, Praehistorische Zeitschrift

This article discusses a stonemason's toolkit that was discovered by chance at Măgura Călanului, Romania. This finding helps to address a longstanding gap in our understanding of the tools used in quarrying and monumental architecture... more

This article discusses a stonemason's toolkit that was discovered by chance at Măgura Călanului, Romania. This finding helps to address a longstanding gap in our understanding of the tools used in quarrying and monumental architecture during the Dacian Kingdom. The toolkit includes fifteen iron implements, such as double-headed picks, a whetting set, splitting wedges, and rare toothed tools, weighing a total of 10.93 kg. These tools provide valuable insight into the technical skills of Dacian craftsmen. While some of them have analogues from Greek and Roman areas, others exhibit local innovations, highlighting both technological exchanges with the Mediterranean world and the ingenuity and adaptability of the Dacian craftsmen. The apparent concealment of the toolkit may suggest a crisis period, possibly related to the Roman conquest in 102 AD. As one of the most varied and complete stonemason kits discovered in European antiquity, this finding is exceptionally significant and is expected to impact the study of ancient craftsmanship and architectural techniques.

2025, Types of Stones in Ancient Architecture

Stones are one of the most ancient natural materials exploited by humans, with different uses, from tools to buildings. Even today, stone is a very important material resource, used for construction, sculpture, and as raw material for... more

Stones are one of the most ancient natural materials exploited by humans, with different uses, from tools to buildings. Even today, stone is a very important material resource, used for construction, sculpture, and as raw material for other industries. Natural stones are not only a material resource, but they also allow us to understand the way of life, beliefs, and values of different populations. Being born from geological phenomena, stones reflect the geological events in an area, bringing to light the values and organization of different populations. Different types of stone were used for big construction projects, such as roads or buildings, which defined the architectural identity of the zone. The characteristics of the materials used thousands of years ago give a concrete idea of the dynamics of the populations, which can range from migrations, conquests, and trades to other ways of living of our ancestors

2025

In spite of their location 200 km south of the Mediterranean and just to the north of the Aurès Mountains in eastern Algeria, the Roman cities of Thamugadi (Timgad) and Lambaesis (Lambèse/Tazoult) made substantial use of marble and high... more

In spite of their location 200 km south of the Mediterranean and just to the north of the Aurès Mountains in eastern Algeria, the Roman cities of Thamugadi (Timgad) and Lambaesis (Lambèse/Tazoult) made substantial use of marble and high quality travertine (onyx marble). Forty-five architectural and sculptural artifacts were sampled to provide a cross-section of the sources used in the two nearby cities. White, grayish white, and colored artifacts were chosen. The samples were analyzed at the University of South Florida to determine mineralogy, grain size, and isotopic ratios of stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen. The results were compared with databases for quarries of Algeria and for the ancient Mediterranean at large. Because of isotopic overlappings, macroscopic observations of markings on the artifacts themselves were often important for establishing the most likely source for the marble.

2025, International Journal of Historical Archaeology

The goal of this project was to determine the source of Jamestown's black "marble" knight's tombstone. From 1627, it is the oldest such tombstone in the Chesapeake Bay region. We used the fossils contained in archived fragments from the... more

The goal of this project was to determine the source of Jamestown's black "marble" knight's tombstone. From 1627, it is the oldest such tombstone in the Chesapeake Bay region. We used the fossils contained in archived fragments from the stone to identify its microfossils which included six species of foraminiferans. These co-occurred in what is now Belgium and Ireland during the Viséan Age, Middle Mississippian Epoch, Carboniferous Period. They did not co-occur in North America. Therefore, the knight's tombstone had to be imported from Europe. Historical evidence suggests Belgium, from where it was transshipped in London and on to Jamestown.

2025, Colonial Geopolitics and Local Cultures in the Hellenistic and Roman East (3rd century BC – 3rd century AD): Géopolitique coloniale et cultures locales dans l’Orient hellénistique et romain (IIIe siècle av. J.-C. – IIIe siècle ap. J.-C.),

2025, Science and Art: a future for stone

Standing under the portico of the Paisley Town Hall, completed in 1882, and looking south east towards the West Façade of Paisley Abbey, built in the 13 th to 15 th Century, it is possible to compare two historical periods in Scottish... more

Standing under the portico of the Paisley Town Hall, completed in 1882, and looking south east towards the West Façade of Paisley Abbey, built in the 13 th to 15 th Century, it is possible to compare two historical periods in Scottish building where the use of stone was unavoidable. Walking further into the historic centre of Paisley, or any other town or city in Scotland, reveals the ubiquitous use of uncovered natural stone in our architecture, and also the problems that it faces. The challenge in maintaining the essential integral character of our towns for the future, and to recognise and enhance their values is a complex one, but not our challenge alone. Much hard work is still needed to characterise, assess and propose conservation approaches that are compatible with the existing fabric and prevailing philosophies, in Scotland and around the world. We sought to bring the 13 th Congress to a damp Scotland of decaying stone structures, to share our stone-built heritage with the conservation community and also to focus on the needs of stone conservation for our built heritage in Scotland. We hope that by bringing some global attention to the issue, in the country were, arguably, modern geology began, we demonstrate the sharing of our common heritage and our values in seeking its understanding and protection. In these volumes you will find the proceeds of the work of many people, the conservators, practitioners and even academics and researchers whose concern is the protection of our stone-made cultural heritage. The Permanent Scientific Committee (PSC) of the Stone Congresses worked to review each contribution followed by revision by the authors. The editing effort by ourselves involved direct improvements to text, in many cases, and by one of us in particular to the formatting. However, beyond the title pages and abstracts, after review by the PSC and revision by the authors, proof correction was limited. The contents and accuracy of the papers are therefore the responsibility of the authors.

2025, YOCOCU

Berterame 1.2.12 -The videogame in VR set in Matera -D. Colangelo 1.2.13 -The church of holy cross called "of purgatory": an usability enhancment -A. Illiano, A. Corvino 1.2.14 -"Marmora" project: caracterisation and provenance on... more

Berterame 1.2.12 -The videogame in VR set in Matera -D. Colangelo 1.2.13 -The church of holy cross called "of purgatory": an usability enhancment -A. Illiano, A. Corvino 1.2.14 -"Marmora" project: caracterisation and provenance on historical marbles in the Apulia artistic and archaeological sites (Southern italy) -G. Fioretti, P. Acquafredda Section 2 CULTURAL HERITAGE CONSERVATION SCIENCE Chapter 2.1 -Analytical investigation Paragraphs 2.1.1 to 2.1.7 presented in Oral session 3 Paragraphs 2.1.8 to 2.1.

2025, Heritage, 2

Determining the provenance of the stones used for ancient architectures is very important in order to reconstruct many social and economic questions linked to the life of a city. This paper integrates previous and new archaeometric data... more

Determining the provenance of the stones used for ancient architectures is very important in order to reconstruct many social and economic questions linked to the life of a city. This paper integrates previous and new archaeometric data about marble and alabaster quarries in south-western Phrygia (Lykos valley), and offers a review of some results of the research activities carried out between the years 2013-2018 and aimed to reconstruct the building stone procurement strategies adopted in the city of Hierapolis in Phrygia across a broad chronological time span from the Hellenistic age to the Byzantine period. The research activities based on a multidisciplinary approach, integrating the archaeological and art-historian study of the monuments, the topographical investigation of the quarries, and the archaeometric characterisation both of extraction sites and marbles and alabasters used in the building sites of the urban area and in the necropolises.

2025, Ancient quarries and building sites in Asia Minor

Research conducted since 2005 in the territory of Hierapolis in Phrygia, aimed at the production of the archaeological map and the reconstruction of ancient settlement pattern, is based on the extensive use of optical high-resolution... more

Research conducted since 2005 in the territory of Hierapolis in Phrygia, aimed at the production of the archaeological map and the reconstruction of ancient settlement pattern, is based on the extensive use of optical high-resolution satellite imagery 1 . This was necessary due to the limited availability of aerial photographs and the possibility of using only maps which are not recently updated and of a scale inadequate for fieldworks, such as the official map of the Republic of Turkey, at a scale of 1:25,000, updated to the 1990s and available only in raster format. In particular, various panchromatic (PAN) and multispectral (MS) QuickBird-2 images (with spatial resolution of 0.60 m and 2.40 respectively, and in standard ortho-ready format), acquired between 2002 and 2009, have been used and processed; moreover, some pan-sharpened World-View-2, GeoEye-1 and Pléiades images in real colour, acquired in more recent years and available on Google Earth, with spatial resolutions of about 0.50 m, have also been employed. Satellite images have been used in place of aerial photographs to detect anomalies and paleo-environmental and archaeological traces (constantly checked during surveys to confirm the interpretation and determine their dating and anthropic origin), and for the production of "base cartography" (ortho-images, space-maps and topographic maps derived from satellite images) to be used during the exploration of the territory and for the positioning of the archaeological evidence in a GIS dedicated to the territory of Hierapolis. Besides to recent satellite images, various space photographs taken by US spy satellites in the 1960s and 1970s have offered an interesting documentation of the territory before the transformations of the last decades, produced by the extension of urbanized areas, the construction of infrastructures, and the spread of mechanized agriculture 2 : these images have made it possible to acquire data on ancient remains (such as roads and agricultural divisions) that are now destroyed. Moreover, the recent possibility of gaining access to high-resolution SAR images, acquired by two Cosmo-SkyMed satellites in 2013, made it possible to assess the effectiveness of these remotely-obtained data in relation to the different types of archaeological evidence present in the urban area, in the necropolises and in the area surrounding the city 3 . G.S.

2025, Ancient quarries and building sites in Asia Minor

ANCIENT QUARRIES AND BUILDING SITES IN ASIA MINOR -ISBN 978-88-7228-819-1 -© 2016 • Edipuglia s.r.l. -www.edipuglia.it 4 GoodMan 2013. 5 This local subtraction procedure was necessary to avoid artefacts created by the classic subtraction... more

ANCIENT QUARRIES AND BUILDING SITES IN ASIA MINOR -ISBN 978-88-7228-819-1 -© 2016 • Edipuglia s.r.l. -www.edipuglia.it 4 GoodMan 2013. 5 This local subtraction procedure was necessary to avoid artefacts created by the classic subtraction of a "global" average trace estimated from the entire section, due to the presence of zones with a very strong signal.

2025, Ancient quarries and building sites in Asia Minor

Equipment for infrared thermography (FLIR B425): the IR radiation (A) is collected from an optical lens (B) and measured by a CMOS detector (C); the received signals are processed (D) and showed on an LCD display (E).

2025, Ancient quarries and building sites in Asia Minor

the paper focuses on the imperial age mortars used in the public monuments of hierapolis, which were sampled for a petrographic and mineralogical study. mortars with different functions (bedding mortar for ashlars, grouting, filling, wall... more

the paper focuses on the imperial age mortars used in the public monuments of hierapolis, which were sampled for a petrographic and mineralogical study. mortars with different functions (bedding mortar for ashlars, grouting, filling, wall cladding mortars, plaster and stucco work) were sampled in order to identify the raw materials used to create the binder and the composition of the aggregate.

2025, Ancient quarries and building sites in Asia Minor

analyzed at the University of Leoben, while the samples of the two sarcophagi discovered in the 2014 excavations campaign (H14_440 and H14_441) were analyzed in rome, at the Mass spectrometry Laboratory of cNr-IgAg. Moreover,... more

analyzed at the University of Leoben, while the samples of the two sarcophagi discovered in the 2014 excavations campaign (H14_440 and H14_441) were analyzed in rome, at the Mass spectrometry Laboratory of cNr-IgAg. Moreover, cathodoluminescence (cL) studies of some samples (nos. 1, 6, 14, 15, 16, H14_440 and H14_441) were performed in tarragona, by the Unitat d'Estudis Arquemetricos of IcAc. Numerous white marble sarcophagi were discovered during the archaeological excavations of the st Philip church, which took place beginning in 2010 both inside the building and in the area immediately surrounding it (Fig. ) 8 . some of the sarcophagi were reused in the walls of the byzantine church or in the nearby structures of the Aghiasma terrace, built in the same period; others were reworked and included in the sculptural decoration of the church. Many sarcophagi were sampled with the aim of identifying the sources of the white marble used, thanks to archaeometric analyses (tab. 1). the study also attempted to explain the strategies used in selecting these artefacts for reuse in the church. It is hoped too that the study and the analysis results can contribute to defining the characteristics of the North-East Necropolis of Hierapolis in the Imperial age; as indicated above, in fact, many of the sarcophagi reused in the church were probably collected in this funerary area. Garland sarcophagus (no. 1 -samples nos. 2 and 3) the sarcophagus consists of a large number of fragments discovered in the surface level of the central nave of the church. they include at least ten fragments of the socle and the meander frieze, at least seven fragments of one or several Medusa heads, one fragment of the hair of a theatre mask, the head of an Eros, a large fragment of a garland with parts of a Nike and the thighs of a Nike (Fig. ). the general layout of the sarcophagus front, reconstructed from the fragments, probably consisted of a so-260

2025, Ancient quarries and building sites in Asia Minor

lazzarInI 2015, with previous bibliography; see also Koralay in this volume (119-130). 2 attanasIo, pensaBene 2002. 3 BrIllI ET ALII 2015 and BrIl-lI ET ALII in this volume (101-118). 183 aBstraCt -the paper focuses on the archaeometric... more

lazzarInI 2015, with previous bibliography; see also Koralay in this volume (119-130). 2 attanasIo, pensaBene 2002. 3 BrIllI ET ALII 2015 and BrIl-lI ET ALII in this volume (101-118). 183 aBstraCt -the paper focuses on the archaeometric characterisation of the marble samples taken from artefacts of the urban area and the necropolises of hierapolis. a multi-methodological approach (petrographic analyses, analyses of the stable C-o isotopes, and cathodoluminescence analyses) was applied to determine the provenance of the marble used in the different monuments of the Imperial and Byzantine era. first, the paper presents the sampling strategies, the analytical methods applied and the instruments used in the project. then, for each monument, the various proposed provenances are discussed in relation to the general framework of the marble varieties extracted from the local district.

2025, Ancient quarries and building sites in Asia Minor

together with marbles and travertines, the local polychromatic breccia with a reddish matrix was extensively used in the city and necropolises of Hierapolis between the Imperial and the proto-byzantine eras. It was quarried immediately to... more

together with marbles and travertines, the local polychromatic breccia with a reddish matrix was extensively used in the city and necropolises of Hierapolis between the Imperial and the proto-byzantine eras. It was quarried immediately to the north of the urban area. the paper offers a complete overviews of the various quarry sites and discusses the use of this coloured stone in the public and private buildings of the city. Furthermore, an archaeometric study concerns the alteration phenomena detected in some pillars from the stoa-basilica, which are representative of two varieties of polychromatic breccia in terms of the compactness of the matrix microstructure.

2025, Ancient quarries and building sites in Asia Minor

As early as the 3 rd century Ad, speaking of the "marbles" of southern Phrygia, PHiLostr., Im., i, 12, 10 linked their characteristic colouring to the distinctive hydrogeological features of the area.

2025, Ancient quarries and building sites in Asia Minor

the paper presents a synthesis and comparison of the archaeometric data regarding the ancient marble quarries in the territory of Hierapolis and in the southern sector of the Denizli basin, which were collected in the last years by the... more

the paper presents a synthesis and comparison of the archaeometric data regarding the ancient marble quarries in the territory of Hierapolis and in the southern sector of the Denizli basin, which were collected in the last years by the researchers involved in the Marmora Phrygiae Project and by Pamukkale University. the minero-petrographic, c-O isotopic and cathodoluminescence data are integrated with data from previous studies to get a detailed characterization of these marbles. Furthermore, these data are compared with those from the Aphrodisian marble.

2025, Ancient quarries and building sites in Asia Minor

. the present paper represents an updated version of the article published in the Journal of Archaeological Science Report, from which text, figures and tables were partially excerpted after appropriate modifications. 2 AttAnAsio, briLLi,... more

. the present paper represents an updated version of the article published in the Journal of Archaeological Science Report, from which text, figures and tables were partially excerpted after appropriate modifications. 2 AttAnAsio, briLLi, oGLe 2006, 169-183. 3 KorALAy, KiLinçArsLAn 2015. the marbles from Denizli and Hierapolis-Gök Dere were studied using petrography and isotopes, substantially confirming the results reported in the article of briL-Li ET ALII 2015, but providing a further technique (trace elements) to better characterize these two quarries. 4 About these quarries see Di-tArAnto in this volume (87-100). 5 see scArDozzi in this volume (131-140).

2025, Ancient quarries and building sites in Asia Minor

For the quarries of Denizli and aphrodisias, the traditional minero-petrographic and isotopic analyses have been enriched with analyses based on cathodoluminescence, almost entirely absent from the literature. 29 on these quarries see... more

For the quarries of Denizli and aphrodisias, the traditional minero-petrographic and isotopic analyses have been enriched with analyses based on cathodoluminescence, almost entirely absent from the literature. 29 on these quarries see DItaranto in this volume, 87-100. 30 these archaeometric analyses were coordinated by giovanni Quarta (Cnr-Ibam), mauro brilli (Cnr-Igag) and maría pilar lapuente mercadal (uea-ICaC) respectively. 31 attanasIo 2003, 201-208 (quarries of thiounta); attana-sIo, brIllI, ogle 2006, 177-179 (quarries of hierapolis), 179-183 (quarries of thiounta). 32 In attanasIo, pensabene 2002, the lack of knowledge of the marble of marmar tepe and the characterisation of only few samples of thiounta marble probably led to an overestimation of only few samples of the role of the quarries of aphrodisias (marble from which sometimes displays characteristics similar to the two hierapolis marbles mentioned above) in the procurement of building stone for the building sites of hierapolis. In this regard, see sCarDozzI in this volume, 421-438.

2025

5 σῆμα δέ, κεἰ τέχνα Φρύγιον λίθον ἔργῳ ἐλέ[γχει], ψεύδεται· ἐγ γαίης τῆσδε πέφυκε λίθος (CIG 4377, ll. 11-12; IGR III, 362) «The monument deceives, because although the workmanship makes it appear to be Phrygian stone, in reality the... more

5 σῆμα δέ, κεἰ τέχνα Φρύγιον λίθον ἔργῳ ἐλέ[γχει], ψεύδεται· ἐγ γαίης τῆσδε πέφυκε λίθος (CIG 4377, ll. 11-12; IGR III, 362) «The monument deceives, because although the workmanship makes it appear to be Phrygian stone, in reality the stone comes from this land» ANCIENT QUARRIES AND BUILDING SITES IN ASIA MINOR -ISBN 978-88-7228-819-1 -© 2016 • Edipuglia s.r.l. -www.edipuglia.it 8 see DI GIaCoMo in this volume, 33-42. 9 see lIMonCellI in this volume, 43-60. 10 see the papers by DITaRanTo, bRIllI ET ALII and koRalay in this volume, 87-130. 11 see the various papers in Chapter IV. 12 For an example of this approach, see also lonG in this volume, 681-692. 13 In this regard, see PonT in this volume, 733-742. 14 see the various papers in Chapter V. 15 see MasChek in this volume, 393-402. 16 In this regard, see D'anDRIa in this volume, 27-32. 17 see the various papers in Chapter VI. In this regard, see also MaTTeInI in this volume, 753-760.

2025, IMEKO International Conference

Room: d'Enghien Hall Chairs: Gianluca Quarta, University of Salento, Italy 12 Concerning the extinction of the wild horse in Italy and the newly introduction as domesticate: recent evidence from Grotta dei Cervi -Porto Badisco (Otranto,... more

Room: d'Enghien Hall Chairs: Gianluca Quarta, University of Salento, Italy 12 Concerning the extinction of the wild horse in Italy and the newly introduction as domesticate: recent evidence from Grotta dei Cervi -Porto Badisco (Otranto, south Italy)

2025, Life and death in Asia Minor in Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine times

Wolf-Rüdiger Teegen 16. Pergamon -Kyme -Priene: Health and disease from the Roman to the late Byzantine period in different locations of Asia Minor Wolf-Rüdiger Teegen 17. Toothache, back pain, and fatal injuries: What skeletons reveal... more

Wolf-Rüdiger Teegen 16. Pergamon -Kyme -Priene: Health and disease from the Roman to the late Byzantine period in different locations of Asia Minor Wolf-Rüdiger Teegen 17. Toothache, back pain, and fatal injuries: What skeletons reveal about life and death at Roman and Byzantine Hierapolis Henrike Kiesewetter 18. Health and disease of infants and children in Byzantine Anatolia between AD 600 and 1350 Michael Schultz and Tyede H. Schmidt-Schultz 19. Infant and child skeletons from the Lower City Church at Byzantine Amorium F. Arzu Demirel 20. The wrestler from Ephesus: Osteobiography of a man from the Roman period based on his anthropological and palaeopathological record

2025, FOLD&R. Fasti Online Documents & Research, Italy(560)

This paper aims to investigate the political and economic resources of the civic élite of Luna between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, from the post-Sullan Republic to the Julio-Claudian age. Service in local institutions and... more

This paper aims to investigate the political and economic resources of the civic élite of Luna between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, from the post-Sullan Republic to the Julio-Claudian age. Service in local institutions and wealth defined the role and significance of the domi nobiles in their civic contexts. Unfortunately, their inscriptions mainly dealt with civic offices and withheld almost any information about their economic interests. This study compares the archaeological findings from Luna and its surroundings with the inscriptions mentioning the holders of the highest post in local institutions – the duumvirate. The excavations promoted by the University of Pisa near Porta Marina brought to light two domus (A and B), which belonged to some members of the local élite between the 70s BC and the 70s AD when a small temple on a podium superseded the atrium of domus B. A comparison between contemporary archaeological and epigraphic evi-dence from inside and outside the city reveals a consistent picture of local history, providing some relevant insights into the political and economic resources of the civic élite of an Italian town at the dawn of the Impe-rial age.

2025, FOLD&R. Fasti Online Documents & Research, Italy(550)

In June 2017 a multi-departmental research group of the University of Calabria conducted some investigations on a marble cargo at Cala Cicala, located at a depth of approximately 6 meters along the southern section of the promontory of... more

In June 2017 a multi-departmental research group of the University of Calabria conducted some investigations on a marble cargo at Cala Cicala, located at a depth of approximately 6 meters along the southern section of the promontory of Capo Col-onna (Crotone). The cargo is composed of 36 marble elements of various sizes, mostly pillars and blocks, of a total weight of about 179 tons. Many of the marble artefacts are stepped parallelepipeds, while the largest monoliths exceed 6 meters in length. During the Cala Cicala survey, the team experimented an innovative approach to study the underwater site using digi-tal and mechatronic technologies applied to conventional archaeological documentation in order to clean, document, and ana-lyse the archaeological remains. The minero-petrographic investigations, conducted in collaboration with the IUAV University of Venice, made it possible to identify the marbles with those quarried at Aliki and at the Cape Vathy on the island of Thasos. More precise chronological data are given by some Ionic capitals and Attic marble bases, now on display at the National Ar-chaeological Museum of Capo Colonna, discovered on the site of the shipwreck before 1929. The evidence found at Cala Ci-cala contributes significantly to our knowledge of many aspects of the exploitation of the quarries on the island of Thasos and on the manufacturing traditions of local marble workshops. Before these investigations, the only known underwater evidence of loads of Thasian marble was limited to the Apulian wrecks of San Pietro in Bevagna and Torre Sgarrata which seem to be more recent than the wreck of Cala Cicala. The quality of marble from the promontory of Aliki, a variety predominantly used for architectural applications, was never found before in other shipwrecks.

2025

The Basilica of Santa Maria della Piazza is a fine example of Italian Romanesque. It is located close to the old harbor of Ancona and was erected on the ruins of an Early Christian basilica dated back to the 4th century. The current... more

The Basilica of Santa Maria della Piazza is a fine example of Italian Romanesque. It is located close to the old harbor of Ancona and was erected on the ruins of an Early Christian basilica dated back to the 4th century. The current façade, carried out in 1210 by Master Filippo, is a really attractive masterpiece in the Marche’s Region [1, 2]. Partially damaged by earthquakes, the church was restored different times. The façade, divided into three parts, shows a rich iconography and a splayed portal of Apulian inspiration. The four series of arches are made of carved and re-employed stones. A big portal, richly decorated, opens in the center of façade. On either sides of the portal is the load-bearing structure that supports the outer arcade of the Church. The façade was renovated first in the Romanesque and then in the Gothic period, during which the central door assumes growing importance because of its historical symbolism [3]. The Church was restored several times, also in the r...

2025, Urban Futures – Cultural Pasts: The Heritage of People & Place

2025, «MARMORA. An International Journal for Archaeology, History and Archaeometry of Marbles and Stones»

«Marmora» was created in 2005 for the purpose of forging a place of dialogue around the diverse world of marbles and stone materials, specifically taking the vantage point of archaeology, architecture, art history, and archaeometry. Over... more

«Marmora» was created in 2005 for the purpose of forging a place of dialogue around the diverse world of marbles and stone materials, specifically taking the vantage point of archaeology, architecture, art history, and archaeometry. Over the years, the journal has achieved this goal, establishing itself in Italy and abroad not only as an authoritative voice on the study of marbles and stone materials but also as a quality work tool where one can find new research on the archaeometric analysis of artifacts and quarries.
This journal supports the integrated study of marbles and stone materials, including with both well-established approaches and those that have been making headway more recently in the field of materiality. To these ends, «Marmora» is not only a point of union between researchers of the scientific and humanistic disciplines but also seeks to foster an essential dialogue with those professionals of cultural heritage who work regularly with artifacts found in excavations, kept in museums and stored or exposed to our cities’ elements. As many institutions in Italy and abroad prove with excellence, research and heritage protection are closely connected in fostering the advance of our knowledge and the transmission of cultural heritage.

2025, Archivo Espanol De Arqueologia

During the last decade various excavation campaigns have taken place at the Roman villa of Salar (Granada, Spain), located in the province Baetica. The excavated sector corresponds to the area surrounding a large peristyle of the pars... more

During the last decade various excavation campaigns have taken place at the Roman villa of Salar (Granada, Spain), located in the province Baetica. The excavated sector corresponds to the area surrounding a large peristyle of the pars urbana. Presiding over the open courtyard on one of the shorter sides is a triclinium,

2025, Hic abundant leones. Uomo e natura nei testi mediolatini e romanzi.

In this paper, we intend to analyse one of the odeporic works from the corpus of Ennodius of Pavia (Ennod. 245 V. = carm. 1.1 H.) through the combined interaction of interpretative perspectives and visualisation tools. The journey towards... more

In this paper, we intend to analyse one of the odeporic works from the corpus of Ennodius of Pavia (Ennod. 245 V. = carm. 1.1 H.) through the combined interaction of interpretative perspectives and visualisation tools. The journey towards the Cottian Alps described by Ennodius is a diplomatic mission, entrusted by Lawrence, bishop of Milan: this information establishes the existence of two levels of interpretation from the outset, the circumstantial one and the metaphorical one. There is probably a further level of analysis, which has never been given a wide appeal in the still excellent previous studies: the path at issue, already known to the Romans of all times for its impervious conformation and the unpredictability of its climate, is loaded with ritual energy.

2025

Los lavabos, pilas o tazas de fuente circulares son elementos funcionales y decorativos bastante comunes en el mundo romano donde recibian el nombre de labra. Dentro de esta categoria se han incluido a menudo tambien las tazas... more

Los lavabos, pilas o tazas de fuente circulares son elementos funcionales y decorativos bastante comunes en el mundo romano donde recibian el nombre de labra. Dentro de esta categoria se han incluido a menudo tambien las tazas rectangulares, para las que se prefiere reservar el termino alvei. En el ambito de la antigua Hispania estos elementos han pasado bastante desapercibidos, lo que obedece a un problema de publicacion mas que de una ausencia en el registro arqueologico. En algunas ocasiones, la confusion terminologica ha llevado a identificar las fuentes no como el elemento arquitectonico o escultorico del que brotaba el agua, sino con el espacio fisico donde se ubico aquel. La revision historiografica de los labra documentados hasta el momento en la Peninsula Iberica, tanto en ambitos publicos como privados, nos ha permitido analizar su procedencia, tipologia, funcionalidad y material de fabricacion, ademas de su contexto arqueologico. Fabricados en marmora de diferentes varied...

2025, Journal of Archaeological Sciences: Reports, 4

Marble quarries exploited in antiquity of the Denizli and Karacasu Basins (Turkey) were characterized by their petrography, carbon and oxygen isotopes, and cathodoluminescence. This study is an useful contribution for provenance studies... more

Marble quarries exploited in antiquity of the Denizli and Karacasu Basins (Turkey) were characterized by their petrography, carbon and oxygen isotopes, and cathodoluminescence. This study is an useful contribution for provenance studies of archeological artifacts composed of unknown marble. Marble quarries from the Hierapolis, Laodikeia, and Aphrodisias territories were considered; they constitute a homogeneous group of marble extraction districts. Collectively, they were among the most important sites for marble exploitation throughout antiquity from southwestern Anatolia, where only Afyon and Ephesus, which have already been studied extensively, were more important. In spite of that, the exportation of these marbles in ancient times has not yet been demonstrated. This is partially because their identification has never been fully addressed scientifically. Petrography, isotopes, and cathodoluminescence techniques used together are effective in discriminating among the study marbles. This could facilitate the determination of the provenance of these marbles in local monuments and artifacts. However, it could be difficult to determine the marble provenances in cases where a larger set of possible provenances should be taken into consideration.

2025, Archeologia Veneta 45

In 1878, in Este (Padua), some Roman tombs came to light. One of them, tomb XII Civica, had some notable grave goods datable to the third quarter of the 1st century CE. Among the objects, there is a cylindrical bronze inkwell, with silver... more

In 1878, in Este (Padua), some Roman tombs came to light. One of them, tomb XII Civica, had some notable grave goods datable to the third quarter of the 1st century CE. Among the objects, there is a cylindrical
bronze inkwell, with silver niello, with the stamp CARTILIVS on the bottom. Very interesting are also the results of the analyses on the remains of the ink inside the inkwell carried out by a group of scholars belonging to the Direzione regionale Musei Veneto, the Universities of Seiberdorf (Austria) and Trieste, and Elettra-Sincrotone Trieste S.C.P.A.

2025, Archeologia dei luoghi delle pratiche di culto. Atti del convegno

2025, Proceedings of the 33rd EARSeL Symposium “Towards Horizon 2020

During the archaeological research in the territory of Hierapolis of Phrygia (southwestern Turkey), the integration of systematic field surveys and high resolution satellite remote sensing allowed to identify and document an ancient... more

During the archaeological research in the territory of Hierapolis of Phrygia (southwestern Turkey), the integration of systematic field surveys and high resolution satellite remote sensing allowed to identify and document an ancient regular land division in the northern part of the Uzunpınar plateau (Province of Denizli). In particular, the visual analysis of multitemporal images acquired by satellites Corona KH-4A, Hexagon KH-9 and QuickBird-2 between 1968 and 2007 were fundamental for the identification of traces in the landscape that draw the remains of an orthogonal grid in the division of land, since the topographic maps available are not accurate and complete in reporting the boundaries of fields; moreover, aerial photographs of the area are not available. The archaeological surveys confirmed that the ancient land division was based on orthogonal axes consisting mainly of roads, canals and especially walls, built with irregular small stones. As a preliminary hypothesis, it is possible to date the land division to the Hellenistic period or to the early Imperial Roman age; to these periods, in fact, are dated the remains of rural settlements identified within and surrounding the investigated territory. The discovery is very important because this type of archaeological evidence is scarcely documented in the territory of modern Turkey. Moreover, applying the same research approach, other remains of possible ancient regular land divisions were identified in another small sector of the territory of Hierapolis itself and in the territory surrounding the ancient city of Nicaea, modern day Iznik (Province of Bursa, northwestern Turkey).

2025, Ædificare. Revue internationale d’histoire de la construction

This article focuses on what comparative sources from later historical periods (principally the 16th – 19th centuries) reveal about quarry logistics, workforces, and operational costs at stone quarries. The implications of these data are... more

This article focuses on what comparative sources from later historical periods (principally the 16th – 19th centuries) reveal about quarry logistics, workforces, and operational costs at stone quarries. The implications of these data are then examined in relation to our understanding of Roman quarries. Our focus is on the range of workers (especially metal-workers), the composition and size of quarry work-teams, their organisation, and the economic impact of their maintenance costs
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Cet article se concentre sur les sources comparatives des périodes historiques (principalement du 17e-20e siècle) concernant la logistique, la main-d’oeuvre, et les coûts d’exploitation des carrières de pierre. Les implications de ces données sont examinées en relation avec des carrières romaines, en particulier l’éventail des travailleurs (notamment les métallurgistes), la composition et la taille des équipes de travail, leur organisation, et l’impact économique de leurs coûts de maintenance.

2025

As a symbol of political and social prestige, marble was a key material in Roman architecture and ornamentation. The chain of operations for this raw material is a complex process that reflects the technical competence of marble... more

As a symbol of political and social prestige, marble was a key material in Roman architecture and ornamentation. The chain of operations for this raw material is a complex process that reflects the technical competence of marble craftsmen, from quarrying to the installation of decorations on building sites. Observing the traces left behind during the various phases of work also offers essential clues to a better understanding of decorative systems such as marble veneers, which are often found in fragmentary condition. Tracing the various stages involved in setting up the ornament, as well as the various elements inherent in its installation, reveals the technological imperatives with which ancient craftsmen may have been confronted. Their expertise in selecting materials, the understanding of marble’s physical properties, as well as the solutions they found for maintaining veneers, demonstrate the high level of technical know-how involved and the extent of their thinking on the installation of marble decorations.

2025, Pyrenae, 56 (1), 2025, 219-241.

This article analyses the old quarries that are located in the municipality of L’Énova (Valencia). The first references to mining activity in the area date back to the 14th century, a period in which various extractions of Buixcarró... more

This article analyses the old quarries that are located in the municipality of L’Énova (Valencia). The first references to mining activity in the area date back to the 14th century, a period in which various extractions of Buixcarró stone, an ornamental limestone that has been highly valued from Roman times to the present day, are documented. Selective archaeological prospection of the sierra has made it possible to delimit a quarrying area of around 300 ha, made up of numerous inactive quarry faces that were quarried using traditional exploitation systems. However, the analysis of the different exploitation strategies, among other evidence related to the transformation and transport of the material, could support a Roman chronology for some of these quarry faces.

2025, Tituli-Imagines-Marmora. Materia y prestigio en mármol. Homenaje a Isabel Rodà de Llanza, Anejos AEspA

Reservados todos los derechos por la legislación en materia de Propiedad Intelectual. Ni la totalidad ni parte de este libro, incluido el diseño de la cubierta, puede reproducirse, almacenarse o transmitirse en manera alguna por medio ya... more

Reservados todos los derechos por la legislación en materia de Propiedad Intelectual. Ni la totalidad ni parte de este libro, incluido el diseño de la cubierta, puede reproducirse, almacenarse o transmitirse en manera alguna por medio ya sea electrónico, químico, óptico, informático, de grabación o de fotocopia, sin permiso previo por escrito de la editorial. Las noticias, los asertos y las opiniones contenidos en esta obra son de la exclusiva responsabilidad del autor o autores. La editorial, por su parte, solo se hace responsable del interés científico de sus publicaciones. La publicación de esta obra se enmarca en los proyectos de investigación «O cinae lapidariae Tarraconenses. Canteras, talleres y producciones artísticas en piedra de la Provincia Tarraconensis» (HAR2015-65319-P, MINECO / FEDER, UE), «Sulcato marmore ferro. Canteras, talleres, artesanos y comitentes de las producciones artísticas en piedra en la Hispania Tarraconensis» (PID2019-106967GB-I00, MINECO / FEDER, UE) y «El mensaje del mármol: prestigio, simbolismo y materiales locales en las provincias occidentales del Imperio romano entre las épocas antigua y altomedieval a través del caso de Hispania y Aquitania» (PGC2018-099851-A-I00, MINECO / FEDER, UE).

2025, Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean

The ancient region of Pisidia, located in southwest Turkey, has a settlement history extending from the Prehistoric period to the end of the Byzantine era. Numerous settlements established in this area lay along the Via Sebaste — a vital... more

The ancient region of Pisidia, located in southwest
Turkey, has a settlement history extending from the Prehistoric
period to the end of the Byzantine era. Numerous settlements
established in this area lay along the Via Sebaste — a vital route
connecting the East and the West. During the Roman period,
socio-cultural development flourished there with the spread of
colonization. Later, as part of the Byzantine Empire, Pisidia,
became a focal point of political and social conflict due to
its strategic position, leading to the construction of fortified
settlements in strategically important rural areas to ensure
their defense. Among these settlements is Balama Castle,
situated atop a commanding hill. The site features houses,
cisterns, churches, and fortification walls with towers placed at
regular intervals. The walls, constructed of rubble stone, lime
mortar, and broken bricks, suggest that the fortifications were
constructed in no specific order. The main goal was apparently to
quickly build defensive structures to protect the region. Balama
Castle was not a renovation of an earlier structure but a part of
a newly developed defense system. This system, created by the
Byzantines in the 11th century AD, remained in use through the
12th century AD. Balama Castle, dating to the Middle Byzantine
period, was identified during an archaeological survey conducted
in the region in 2017. This study serves as a preliminary report
presenting the initial findings from the site.

2025, Rudolphinum Jahrbuch des Landesmuseums Kärnten

Bericht über die baubegleitenden archäologische Ausgrabungen auf der geplanten ÖBB Hochleistungsstrecke Koralmbahn Graz – Klagenfurt. Bei Srejach konnten durch die archäologischen Ausgrabungen römerzeitliche Siedlungs- und Hausstrukturen... more

Bericht über die baubegleitenden archäologische Ausgrabungen auf der geplanten ÖBB Hochleistungsstrecke Koralmbahn Graz – Klagenfurt. Bei Srejach konnten durch die archäologischen Ausgrabungen römerzeitliche Siedlungs- und Hausstrukturen nachgewiesen werden.

2025, Minerals

In 44 BC, Julius Caesar established Colonia Laus Iulia Corinthiensis, strategically reviving Corinth to dominate Isthmian trade routes and extend Rome's commercial influence eastwards. At the centre of the colony lies Temple E, an... more

In 44 BC, Julius Caesar established Colonia Laus Iulia Corinthiensis, strategically reviving Corinth to dominate Isthmian trade routes and extend Rome's commercial influence eastwards. At the centre of the colony lies Temple E, an enigmatic structure with an unidentified associated cult. This study investigates the architectural characteristics of Temple E, focusing on the use of marble as the primary building material. Petrographic analysis, elemental chemical profiling (Mn, Mg, Fe, Sr, Y, V, Cd, La, Ce, Yb, U), and isotopic measurements (δ 18 O ‰, δ 13 C ‰) are employed to analyse marble samples from the surrounding region, exploring sourcing and construction practices. Statistical comparisons with ancient quarry databases indicate a strong reliance on locally sourced Doliana marble, underscoring the economic significance of regional quarries and suggesting the existence of a local workshop dedicated to architectural production in Roman Corinth. By integrating geological and archaeometric approaches, this study highlights Corinth's pivotal role in the regional marble trade and its broader economic importance during the Roman Imperial period. The findings emphasise the use of local resources, illustrating a flourishing marble-working industry and enhancing our understanding of the relationship between local materials and Roman architectural practices.

2024

Archaeological Institute of America Annual Meeting SESSION BLOCK 5: SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM 5J: Roman Art & Iconography The So-called ‘Peisōn Sculpture Gallery’ in Perge, Pamphylia: New Evidence on its Chronology and... more

2024

L as rutas fluviales y marítimas fueron las auténticas vías para la comercialización de los mármoles. Siempre que fue posible, las canteras se orientaron a la fachada marítima para poder proceder de la manera más rápida, eficaz y... more

L as rutas fluviales y marítimas fueron las auténticas vías para la comercialización de los mármoles. Siempre que fue posible, las canteras se orientaron a la fachada marítima para poder proceder de la manera más rápida, eficaz y económica a la salida de los bloques y/o productos semielaborados. Pero no siempre las condiciones físicas se prestaron a este ideario; el caso más emblemático nos lo proporcionan las canteras de Afyon (Turquía) a unos 400 km tierra adentro.

2024

Asmosia XIII, 19-24 September 2024, Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

2024, ASMOSIA VI Proceedings of the sixth International Conference of the "Association for the study of Marble and Other Stones in Antiquity." Venice, June 15-18 2000.

In 1999 and 2000 the authors sampled and analyzed the garden furniture of the Casa dei Vettii at Pompeii. 20 samples were taken from basins and tables and their supports. The intent was to test the hypothesis that an effort had been made... more

In 1999 and 2000 the authors sampled and analyzed the garden furniture of the Casa dei Vettii at Pompeii. 20 samples were taken from basins and tables and their supports.
The intent was to test the hypothesis that an effort had been made to assemble a wide variety of white marbles and that the marble type was an important criterion in the arrangement of the pieces in the garden. The former hypothesis could not be established with sufficient certainty to claim intent, but the second was shown to be clearly true.
Pentelic marble, represented in 7 pieces placed at key axial points and highlighted by the large table which functioned as a cartibulum, was prominent. But Paros 2 marble from Chorodakia was numerically dominant with 11 pieces, and it seems to have been given price of place also in the line of basins which extend out into the garden from the N side. Other marbles identified are: Lunense, Thasian, gray Lesbian and Proconnesian.