The Architectural Reuse of Roman Marble and Stone<i>Spolia</i>in the Early Medieval Monte Sorbo Church (Sarsina, Central Italy)
Fabrizio Antonelli|Patrizia Santi|Alberto Renzulli|Soledad Bianchi
We present the results of a multi-method archaeometric study concerning architectural elements reused in Monte Sorbo church (Sarsina, central Italy) between eighth and ninth centuries AD. The provenance has focused on classical marbles stones, which clearly do not originate from local Apennine geological formations are thought to come extra-regional sources. A large fraction tested is Asia Minor, coming both Proconnesian district Marmara Island and, probably, Hasançavuslar site near Ephesus (Greco scritto). Of four remaining investigated, one Carrara three different Greek quarrying areas, such as Mount Pentelikon (Athens) Thasos Paros islands. data also highlight reuse decorated gravestones made Pietra di Aurisina architectonic elements. This limestone fossiliferous carbonate stone outcropping Trieste Karst region (north-eastern Italy), was exploited by Romans Byzantines. assignment all columns nave same source area provides an argument favour their single monument, probably located Sarsina or Ravenna, with ‘colourful taste’ that typical late Antonine Severian periods.
Archaeometry