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Articles

Bd. 3 (2026)

From Dokimeion to Aphrodisias: A Reassessment of Marble Provenance and Workshop Relations of Roman Period Sarcophagi from Perge (Pamphylia) / Asia Minor

Eingereicht
March 12, 2026
Veröffentlicht
2026-06-04

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive re-evaluation of the marble provenance of Roman Period sarcophagi from Perge (Pamphylia), integrating the typological and archaeometric framework established by Korkut and Dirican (2020) with newly acquired multi-proxy analytical data generated at the Austrian Archaeological Institute (OeAW). While the earlier study questioned the long-standing attribution of Pamphylian sarcophagi to Dokimeion, limitations inherent in isotope-based discrimination and restricted reference datasets prevented a definitive reassignment of marble sources. The present study employs an expanded analytical strategy combining stable carbon and oxygen isotope analysis, high-precision ICP-MS trace element measurements, and multivariate statistical modelling based on a global database of over 5,700 geological marble samples. The results demonstrate a strong and statistically robust association of the Perge sarcophagus marbles with the Aphrodisias quarry district, while Prokonnesos emerges as a secondary source for a limited subset of samples. Dokimeion and Ephesian marble sources can be confidently excluded. Beyond provenance determination, these findings necessitate a fundamental reconsideration of workshop organisation, artisan mobility, and material procurement strategies in Roman Pamphylia. In particular, the dominance of Aphrodisias marble suggests sustained inter-regional connections between Caria and Pamphylia, challenging traditional models centred on Phrygian production and reinforcing the role of Aphrodisias as a major sculptural hub with far-reaching economic and artistic influence.