Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

Search Results (1)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = Mount Pentelikon

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
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 653
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)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop