the Sculptural Marbles of Caesarea Mauretaniae (Cherchel, Algeria)

Using a multiparameter approach (isotopic analysis, EPR spectroscopy and petrography), we have determined the marble provenance for 81 objects representing the four main phases of sculptural production of the Roman city of Caesarea Mauretaniae (present-day Cherchel in Algeria). During the first phase, the reign of King Juba II and his son Ptolemaios, almost all of the 38 sculptures sampled are made from Parian or Pentelic marble. In the Claudian period the use of Pentelic marble continues but Parian marble disappears completely. Carian and Luna marbles are used for only a few statues. After an interruption of about 50 years, sculptural pro- duction resumes at Caesarea at the beginning of the 2nd century and is marked by a dramatic shift in the procurement of marble towards Asiatic quarries. This trend continues in the final phase from the late 2nd century onwards. In general, the succession of different patrons and the concomitant shifts in the type of works they commissioned are correlated with changing pat- terns of marble procurement. One of the surprising findings of this study is the use of marble from the Göktepe quarry as early as the late 1st century BC.