Minero-petrographic approaches for epigraphy: some public inscriptions from Hellenistic Syracuse

Book section : Chapter

The present contribution aims at exploring the potentialities of incorporating a detailed minero-petrographic methodology into the study of ancient Sicilian inscriptions. More specifically, a set of three public inscriptions dated to the III c. BCE from Syracuse were tested with a fully non-invasive archaeometrical approach, and the results compared with the literature describing their materiality. This confirmed on an analytical basis that the rock used for two monumental pieces, ISic000823 and ISic003331, comes from Taormina, while for the third one, ISic000827, it was possible to correct a series of misunderstandings as to its possibly exotic origin. Nevertheless, its provenance is still unclear and will require a laboratory-based approach. The geological results are in agreement with the historical sources, regarding both the extent of the kingdom and contemporary stone quarrying.

Authors: Coccato, A; Barone, G; Mazzoleni, P; Prag, J

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Edizioni Quasar
• Host title: Syracusae. Scavi e ricerche nella città e nella chora. Atti del convegno (Siracusa, 10-12 ottobre 2024). Ediz. italiana e inglese
• Pages: 367-378
• Publication date: 2026-05-20
• ISBN-10: 8854917184
• ISBN-13: 9788854917187
• Language: English
• Keywords: archaeometry; provenance of raw materials; Taormina limestone; Taormina marble
• Subtype: Chapter