Archaeometric analysis of a Roman sculptural group from Asido (Medina Sidonia, Cádiz, Spain)

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents the results of the archaeometric study of 19 Roman sculptures of the Imperial period from the colonia of Asido Caesarina (present-day Medina Sidonia, Cádiz, Spain). The samples have been analyzed from a mineralogical, petrographic and geochemical perspective, complemented by δ13C and δ18O isotopic data. The physical and compositional characteristics of these marbles have been compared with reference quarry samples from the South of Hispania and some of the main Mediterranean white marbles, and with the data from archaeological elements made with foreign marbles previously identified in other Roman cities of Baetica. The application of a multi-method approach has made it possible to establish criteria for the differentiation between these marbles, in which geochemical and isotopic data play a key role. Surprisingly, from the archaeological point of view, the results indicate the majority use of imported marbles from Paros and Luni-Carrara.