Abstract:

Based on an analysis of the distribution of Troad granite shafts, as well as of who commissioned the construction projects in which they were used, we analyse the organisation of the work in the quarries where this granite was extracted and the mechanisms that explain its distribution. Troad granite was little used in Rome, but is frequently found in the provinces. In fact, it was probably used in place of granito del Foro, which was almost exclusively used in Rome. Moreover, the presence of Troad stone in the provinces allows us to presume that concessions and rental contracts were awarded to private citizens for the various quarry extraction sectors. At the same time, the existence in the quarries of sectors specialising in the production of colossal shafts –the district of Koçali for example– supports the hypothesis of state control of the production.