Marble in Antiquity. Identification, use and distribution 2800-AKMARB

The subject of this course involves issues related to the identification and use of white marbles and coloured stones in
Antiquity.
The vital part of the course is a general outlook on the main metamorphic, sedimentary and magmatic rocks. The main
archaeometric methods of marble provenance determination, as well as the question of quarry techniques, marble
distribution and import during the Roman Empire are also topics of the classes.
According to the archaeological finds, the white marble was already used for sculptural purposes during the 3rd millennium
BC. From this period came the famous Cycladic idols. However, systematic exploitation of marble and its use for sculptural
and then for architectural purposes took place from the beginning of the Archaic period in Greece and Asia Minor. In this
period white marble artefacts had been already imported from Greece into the western (Magna Graecia) and eastern (Syro-
Palestine) Mediterranean areas.
Coloured marbles and stones were widespread mainly since the Hellenistic period. After the trend established by the
Hellenistic rulers, both white and coloured marbles started to adorn the private houses of the Roman elite, especially since
the Late Republic period. They were considered as a sign of the economic wealth.
The Roman Empire period was a time of intensive building activity in Rome and in Roman provinces. Consequently, the
marble quarries had been exploited in unparalleled scale compared to previous periods. Efficient and vast system of marble
administration, distribution and extraction was therefore developed.
In Antiquity the marble was considered as an extremely precious material. Its extraction and distribution were important
part of the ancient world economy. The different prices of marble material were related to multiple factors such as a very
expensive land transport (e.g. from Dokimeion) or a cheaper sea transport (e.g. from Thasos, Prokonnesos), activity of
famous sculptural workshops (Athens – Pentelic marble) and excellent quality of marble (Paros) among others.
Marble studies and the identification of its quarry sources are essential factors for the reconstruction of one of the key
elements of the ancient world economy such as the marble trade. They are also extremely important for deeper
understanding of the history of ancient sculpture: to correctly reconstruct activity of the sculptural workshops of ancient
Greece and Rome.