Marble Imports and Local Stone in the Architectural Decoration of Roman Palestine: Marble Trade, Techniques and Artistical Taste

Abstract

Monumental architecture in Roman Palestine occurs only from the middle of the 2nd cent. C.E. onwards, mainly due to the architectural and artistical reorganization of the Empire under Hadrian. During this period, architecture was characterized by the confrontation and interchange between imported marble and local stone which reached its peak under the Severan emperors (1). For our issue, it is important to keep in mind that during the period discussed here, architectural decoration was still created according to the so called “classical” principles, being connected with the three main architectural orders or styles — the Doric, the Ionic and the Corinthian — even if an interchange between them is now evident. Although belonging to the artistic side of architecture, decoration has to be regarded rather as a part of craftsmanship. During the Roman period, it became the product of a technical process, which used individual skill and craftsmanship, within a good organized economic framework.