Ancient white and grey marbles from Aphrodisias: multi‐method characterization

A comprehensive archaeometric analysis of white and grey marbles from Aphrodisias, Turkey, reveals that distinguishing these marbles from other ancient types—such as Paros-Lakkoi or Prokonnesos—remains challenging despite the use of multiple analytical methods. The study, which examined a broad range of samples, found no reliable provenance indicators except for grey marbles from specific sectors (AF3 and AF9), characterized by depleted δ13C values below +0.5‰. This suggests that verifying the international use of Aphrodisian marbles is difficult due to their petrographic and geochemical similarities with other marbles. Additionally, topographical measurements were employed to estimate the volume of extracted material, providing new insights into ancient quarrying practices.

Wielgosz‐Rondolino, D., Antonelli, F., Bojanowski, M. J., Degryse, P., Gładki, M., Göncüoğlu, M. C., Lazzarini, L., Long, L., & Mandera, S. (2023). Ancient white and grey marbles from Aphrodisias: multi‐method characterization. Archaeometry, 66(1), 30–56. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/arcm.12893