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Minerals
Special Issues
Provenance Analyses of Ancient Stones Using Scientific Methods
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Provenance Analyses of Ancient Stones Using Scientific Methods

A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 3153

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Walter Prochaska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Austrian Archaeological Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Dominikanerbastei 16, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Interests: ancient white marbles; marble provenance analysis; isotope analysis
Dr. Vasiliki Anevlavi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Austrian Archaeological Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Dominikanerbastei 16, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Interests: white marble; provenance studies; Roman Stone Trade

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The significance of “marble” in a wider sense as a prestigious material throughout history for the self-representation of the elites is uncontested in the field of research in cultural and historical antiquity. The knowledge of the place or region of origin of different types of marble, decorative metamorphic and magmatic rocks is of appreciable importance in studies in archaeology or art history. The intention of this Special Issue is to motivate scientists and archaeologists working in this field to present the current status of their work, thus contributing to the knowledge of the provenance, use and application of white marble and other stones. Studies and discussions on all kinds of scientific methods, including mineralogical and petrographic investigations and geochemical research (trace element geochemistry, isotope analyses, cathodoluminescence or other analytical methods) used in these investigations are welcome. We also encourage the submission of case studies of material analyses of artefacts based on scientific methods. A crucial aspect when evaluating the assignment of these materials to their source is the processing of the data obtained by the analytical investigations and the comparison with quarry data. Therefore, contributions to databanks and statistical calculations in the context of material analysis of stone artefacts are equally welcome.

Dr. Walter Prochaska
Dr. Vasiliki Anevlavi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • provenance analysis
  • isotope analysis
  • trace element analysis
  • petrography
  • microscopic investigation
  • SEM investigation

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 4255 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Intra-Quarry Variability in Pentelic Marble Using Stable Isotopes: A Case Study of the Parthenon
by Scott Pike
Minerals 2025, 15(3), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15030231 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 385
Abstract
This study presents a systematic analysis of stable isotopes (δ13C and δ18O) in Pentelic marble from the ancient quarries of Mount Pentelikon, Greece. A total of 610 samples were collected from 83 quarry pits, including all identified ancient extraction [...] Read more.
This study presents a systematic analysis of stable isotopes (δ13C and δ18O) in Pentelic marble from the ancient quarries of Mount Pentelikon, Greece. A total of 610 samples were collected from 83 quarry pits, including all identified ancient extraction sites, to build a comprehensive reference database. Of those, stable isotope ratios of carbon and oxygen were measured for 384 samples. The results reveal significant variability in stable isotope values across different quarry regions, challenging the assumption of isotopic homogeneity in Pentelic marble. Notably, distinct δ13C and δ18O patterns allow differentiation between quarry areas and specific extraction zones. These findings provide a more refined isotopic framework for provenance studies of ancient artifacts. Application of the new database suggests that marble for the Parthenon’s West Pediment was sourced from the northern upslope quarries in Aspra Marmara, whereas structural elements of the Parthenon were extracted from the lower Spilia Divail quarry, as well as other pits across the ancient quarry zone. The results demonstrate that multiple quarry pits from both the lower slope and upper slope quarries were exploited for the construction of the Parthenon. This research highlights the benefits of extensive sampling and stable isotope analysis in identifying quarry sources, emphasizing the value of undertaking detailed and thorough field surveys and sampling programs to gain new perspectives into ancient resource use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Provenance Analyses of Ancient Stones Using Scientific Methods)
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22 pages, 30342 KiB  
Article
Tracing Material Origins: Provenance Studies of White Marble in Roman Temple E of Ancient Corinth Using Archaeometric and Geoarchaeological Methods
by Vasiliki Anevlavi, Walter Prochaska, Anna Sophie Ruhland and Chiara Cenati
Minerals 2025, 15(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15010037 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1353
Abstract
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 [...] Read 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 (δ18O ‰, δ13C ‰) 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. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Provenance Analyses of Ancient Stones Using Scientific Methods)
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27 pages, 24290 KiB  
Article
Micropetrography as a Key Preliminary Tool for Addressing Provenance Issues: Insights from a Roman Istria Case Study (Croatia)
by Katarina Šprem
Minerals 2024, 14(12), 1233; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14121233 - 3 Dec 2024
Viewed by 814
Abstract
The Istrian peninsula in western Croatia has surface deposits that consist mostly of Jurassic and Cretaceous carbonate sedimentary rocks, which have been exploited since prehistory. Under Roman rule, this exploitation intensified, as attested by dozens of quarries documented throughout the peninsula. Stone was [...] Read more.
The Istrian peninsula in western Croatia has surface deposits that consist mostly of Jurassic and Cretaceous carbonate sedimentary rocks, which have been exploited since prehistory. Under Roman rule, this exploitation intensified, as attested by dozens of quarries documented throughout the peninsula. Stone was used for everything from foundations of private houses to funerary monuments and public buildings. Micropetrography can be used to determine the geological age of the stone used in these structures, to then compare the results with a geological database of Roman quarries. As multiple quarries exploited deposits of the same age, however, micropetrography alone is insufficient to determine provenance, so it must be supplemented by transport and profitability analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Provenance Analyses of Ancient Stones Using Scientific Methods)
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