CHARACTERIZATION AND PROVENANCE OF MARBLE CHANCEL SCREENS, ΝORTHERN JORDAN

Authors

  • M. Al‐Naddaf Faculty of Archaeology and Anthropology, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
  • K. Al‐Bashaireh Faculty of Archaeology and Anthropology, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
  • F. Al‐Waked Faculty of Archaeology and Anthropology, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan

Keywords:

marble, chancel screen, Jordan, oxygen and carbon stable isotopes, maximum grain size, grain boundary, Byzantine, XRD, Proconnesian, Thasos

Abstract

This research characterizes marble chancel screens and their supporting columns, confiscated from treasure thieves, probably from northern Jordan in order to manage the most fruitful conservation and restoration interventions for them. It provides new archaeometric data and determines the probable source of the marbles. The results of mineropetrographic, X‐ray diffraction and carbon and oxygen stable isotope analyses show that the marbles most probably are Proconnesian‐1. The results agree with the historical records supported by archaeometric analyses that Proconnesos marble was widely used during the Roman and Byzantine periods for architectural purposes. The results suggest that color style of Proconnesian marble astonished the Byzantine stonemasons and architects thus have been widely used.  

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Published

2023-07-25

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2010)

Section

Articles