Abstract:

In this contribution, the archaeometric study of Roman sculptural marble is put into context , with particular attention in those of the Heritage of Aragon. The stages and dificulties associated with the study of the marble quarry provenance are exposed. It points out the need to use a multi-method approach where several techniques reported by different laboratories are applied, such as the mass spectrometry to determine the C and O isotopic signature and the cathodoluminiscence. Also the recent discovery of Imperial quarries in Asia Minor, leads to doubt of the determinations previously made using only traditional methods (visu and petrography). This perspective provides an overview of the work carried out and which is yet to compare, and to discover the presence of Hispanic marbles in Caesar Augusta until now undetected. Finally, the archeometric revision of the marble identification used in the sarcophagus of Turiaso, is considered.