The study of marble trade in antiquity has received a lot of scholarly attention in the last few decades; however, numerous deposits of high-quality white marble in the Thracian interior have only recently become pivotal in Bulgaria. Following the establishment of Thrace as a Roman province, investments into transport infrastructure, urban and rural construction works and monumentalizing architecture in marble have led to an increased demand for stone. Local marble quarries close to urban centres and larger imperial quarries were used for civic buildings, villas and sanctuaries. Provenance analysis of marble quarries and artefacts has established a close link between the place of origin and subsequent place of use. This multi-disciplinary study explores marble sources in the Thracian interior via various approaches such as epigraphy, archaeology, and archaeometry regarding urbanization, trade, and transportation. In this paper, we consider and investigate the Berkovitsa marble, a quarry close to Montana in northwestern Bulgaria, and present a broader framework for the marble trade of the region.

Andreeva, P., Anevlavi, V., Frerix, W., et al., A contribution to the urbanization and marble supply of Roman Thrace: an interdisciplinary study. Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 16, 23. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-023-01920-3 

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The data presented in the “Supplementary Material” are intended to supply a databank for future marble provenance analysis of artefacts to be checked against Ephesian marbles. For the sake of comparability, the methods of analysis of a sample to be investigated have to be in strict compliance with the analytical methods that were used for the preparation of this databank. In a first step it is shown that there are several different types of Ephesian marbles due to their different geologic sources. These various types of Ephesian marbles are characterised and it is shown that they can be separated by the use of a combination of different variables analysed thus the isotopic overlap can be largely reduced and an intra-site discrimination is possible. Using this multi method approach it is furthermore possible to largely tell apart the Ephesian marbles from other similar medium-grained marbles used in Antiquity all over the Roman Empire. Though not considered to be “white marbles”, the analytical data for the Ephesian Greco Scritto marble from the area of Hasançavuşlar some 20 km NE of Ephesos are presented in order to enable a future user to discriminate against similar grey mottled marbles from Cap de Garde or from Prokonessos.

Prochaska W., Ladstätter S., Anevlavi V., The challenge of a successful discrimination of ancient marbles (part IV): A databank for the white marbles from the region of Ephesos, Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, Volume 53, (2024). 104336, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2023.104336

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The island of Keros and the islet of Dhaskalio comprise one of the most important archaeological sites in the Cyclades, dating to the Bronze Age. Hundreds of figurine fragments and marble vessels have been found in the Special Deposits South and North (looted) as well as the settlement of Dhaskalio. A scientific examination of the types and degrees of weathering of the figurines found on Keros Special Deposit South and an analysis of the weathering state of the marble is presented. The analyses were performed using a stereoscopic microscope, a petrographic microscope, and a Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with an X-ray analysis system. The examination and analysis showed cracks of different sizes going through the marble grains and soil depositions formed at the surface and while penetrating also inside the grain boundaries. A sequence of weathering events could also be detected. These indicate that the figurines were severely weathered under different environmental conditions and episodes.

Anevlavi V., Maniatis Y., Investigation of Weathering and Surface Depositions on Cycladic Marble Figurines. In: Yavuz et al. (eds) ASMOSIA XII – Association for the Study of Marble & Other Stones in Antiquity XII. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE Proceedings, (2023) İzmir, pp. 463-474

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Roman production and trading of marble is well known from areas such as Prokonnesos or Thasos and a series of other renowned production sites in antiquity. However, in the broad area of Thrace the numerous marble deposits in the interior, in particular in today’s Bulgaria, have received far less attention. The marble quarries and outcrops area of South-East Bulgaria are extensively studied for the first time. Macroscopic and petrographic investigations all showed transitions from a coarse-grained, deformed texture to an extremely fine-grained, cataclastic marble. The isotopic diagram showed two different groups of marbles, one group with light and another with exceptionally heavy δ13C between 5 and 6 ‰. The marble inventory of the Villa Armira was investigated with the result that all the architectural elements and decorative architecture of the villa are of local origin. The marble sources are the ancient quarries next to the villa on one hand and on the other hand the quarries near Kamilski dol some 27 km away.

Anevlavi V., Prochaska W., Dimitrov Z., Ladstätter S., Provenance Matters. A Multi-Proxy Approach for the Determination of White Marbles from Villa Armira, Bulgaria. In: Yavuz et al. (eds) ASMOSIA XII – Association for the Study of Marble & Other Stones in Antiquity XII. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE Proceedings, (2023) İzmir, pp. 165-174

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The Sanctuary of Meter, on the north slope of the Panayırdağ in Ephesos, Asia Minor, has revealed a rather large number of Meter reliefs which were originally placed in small niches cut into the marble/limestone bedrock of the Panayırdağ hill. The objects date from the Late Classical to the Early Hellenistic period (i.e. 4th-3th cent. BC). The marble provenance analysis of a group of these reliefs, now located in the Museum of Selçuk in Turkey, proves that the marble originates from different Ephesian quarries. Using various methods including stable isotope analysis (C13 and O18), and multi-trace element analysis by ICP-MS, in combination with petrography, identifies the provenance of these votive plates, and the workshop for their production in Ephesos. A further investigation of the Meter Relief I 1108 from the Art History Museum in Vienna [Kunsthistorisches Museum of Vienna (KHM)] showed that this material also originates from the Ephesos II group quarries, linking this object to the Ephesian workshop/production area. Furthermore, recent investigations on Meter reliefs from different regions, now in the Art History Museum in Vienna, showed the use of Dokimeion marble already in the Hellenistic era.

Anevlavi, V., Ladstätter, S., Prochaska W., Meter reliefs from Ephesos and the Obizzi Collection (KHM Wien). Archaeometric considerations on the production and trade of small-format marble objects in the Greek world, Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, (2023) Volume 47,2023,103742

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The paper presents evidence of Roman marble production in the Balkan region, specifically from the south-eastern Rhodope Mountain area (modern Bulgaria) and Armira. Although the Roman marble trade and production in antiquity are well known in Prokonnesos, Thasos, and several other production sites, marble deposits from inland Thrace have received far less attention. In 2018–2019, a systematic survey of south-eastern Bulgaria (Roman Thrace) was carried out by our team in collaboration with the National Archaeological Institute with Museum in Bulgaria. White marble quarries and outcrops were investigated in situ with the goal of characterizing the macroscopic qualities of the stone. Quarry samples were collected and analyzed through various techniques—petrography, isotopic, and chemical analyses—and compared with the architectural decorative marble and artifacts from the Roman villa at Armira. We demonstrate that the geochemical and petrographic features of these samples indicate a marble provenance restricted to a few selected sources. We conclude that the local marble from the Armira and Kamilski Dol quarries was widely used for the complete architectural program of the Roman villa of Armira.

Anevlavi, V., Prochaska, W., Cenati, C. et al., Geochemical and petrographic investigation of the provenance of white marble decorative elements from the Roman Villa Armira in south-eastern Bulgaria. Archaeol Anthropol Sci 14, 229 (2022).

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-022-01699-9

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Im Zuge einer systematischen Beprobung römerzeitlich genutzter Marmorsteinbrüche und ihrer Artefakte in der Provinz Noricum ergab sich 2019 die Möglichkeit, Objekte im Stadtmuseum von Villach und in der Keltenwelt von Frög zu beproben. In der vorliegenden Studie werden insgesamt 26 Artefakte vorgestellt, die für eine Marmorherkunftsanalyse herangezogen wurden. Der weitaus größte Anteil entfällt auf Funde aus dem Flussbett der Drau (Abbildung 1)2, ergänzt durch zwei Objekte – eine spätantik sekundär verwendete Grabplatte aus Maglern (Villach 1) und die Grabstele des Macrinus aus Villach-Stadt (Villach 2).

Ladstätter, S., Anevlavi, V., Prochaska W., et al. Die Marmore römischer Steindenkmäler aus dem Stadtmuseum Villach und der Keltenwelt Frög. Neues aus Alt-Villach, 59. Jahrbuch des Stadtmuseums, (2022) 7-37

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This paper presents the research conducted on the origin of the white marble architecture of the basilica of Ascalon (Israel). The basilica is located in the civic centre of the Roman city of Ascalon and it is one of the relatively few known monumental buildings of Roman Palestine. The various construction phases of the basilica are dated from the first century BC to the third century AD. As Israel has no sources of marble, this paper explores the origin of the white marble that was used for several architectural elements such as bases, columns, capitals, and figurative pilasters to identify their provenance. The methodology includes petrographic studies, chemical and isotopic analyses, and chemical analyses of inclusion fluids and extractable salts (crush-leach analyses) of the marble. The results demonstrate that the imported marble highlights the wide extent of connectivity and interregional trade in the region. Some of the main sources of building materials used in the construction programme of this basilica originate from famous supra-regional quarries such as Prokonnesos and Thasos, and different quarries on the island of Lesbos. The similarities between the Severan basilica in Ascalon and the contemporary building in Leptis Magna are also discussed in this paper. In combination with the absence of a built-up port in the ancient city of Ascalon, these results also provide important information on the economy of Roman Palestine, transportation networks, and the logistical organisation of large-scale building programmes.

Anevlavi, V., Cenati, C., Prochaska, W. et al. The marbles of the Basilica of Ascalon: another example of the Severan building projects. Archaeol Anthropol Sci 14, 53 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-022-01518-1

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Marble is one of the most widespread materials used by man from prehistory until today. This research focuses on the analysis of Naxos marble. A brief review of research related to the island of Naxos is reported. The main objectives of this paper highlight the importance of marble studies, and a brief account of the techniques used in the research. A brief description of the geology of Naxos is presented in this paper. In addition to the known marble quarries (ancient and modern), such as Melanes, Apollas, Kinidaros, the characteristics of different grey marbles are presented. The physical and chemical properties of marble, the sampling procedure, sample preparation, and statistical analysis, as well as the results for different archaeological objects, are also mentioned. These investigations focused on the characterization of changes in mineralogical and petrographic characteristics and stable isotopes (δ13C and δ18O). The results provide additional data and complement the databases for marble provenance analysis. A number of marble vessels dating to the Bronze Age come from the island of Naxos. Fragments of marble vases dating from the 6th to the 3rd millennium in the Ephesus region of Asia Minor are associated with Naxian marbles

Anevlavi, W. Prochaska. Naxian Marble: The area where the story begins. Proceeding’s 6th Panhellenic Scientific Conference ‘Naxos throughout the centuries’ Volume I. (2021) pp.329-338

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Marble is one of the most widespread materials used by man from prehistory until today. This research focuses on the analysis of Naxos marble. A brief review of research related to the island of Naxos is reported. The main objectives of this paper highlight the importance of marble studies, and a brief account of the techniques used in the research. A brief description of the geology of Naxos is presented in this paper. In addition to the known marble quarries (ancient and modern), such as Melanes, Apollas, Kinidaros, the characteristics of different grey marbles are presented. The physical and chemical properties of marble, the sampling procedure, sample preparation, and statistical analysis, as well as the results for different archaeological objects, are also mentioned. These investigations focused on the characterization of changes in mineralogical and petrographic characteristics and stable isotopes (δ13C and δ18O). The results provide additional data and complement the databases for marble provenance analysis. A number of marble vessels dating to the Bronze Age come from the island of Naxos. Fragments of marble vases dating from the 6th to the 3rd millennium in the Ephesus region of Asia Minor are associated with Naxian marbles

Anevlavis E., Anevlavi V., Creating a digital history exhibition: The case of Soweto https://soweto-uprising.weebly.com/Creating a digital history exhibition, MusEd – Museum School Education, Volume 2/2, pp. 60-66

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The hinterland of the metropolis of Ephesos belonged to the most important quarrying region for white marbles in the ancient world. Here, two main groups can be differentiated, which have been divided into Ephesos I and II based on petrographic-geochemical criteria. In addition to the two large groups of Ephesian marble, Ephesos I and II, there are smaller local marble supplies which differ petrographically and geochemically from these. One of these stone quarries, which demonstrably was already exploited in antiquity, is that of Ab-u Hayat, which will be analysed in detail in what follows.

Anevlavi V., Bielefeld D., Ladstätter S., Prochaska W., Samitz C., Marble for the Dead. The Quarry of Ab-u Hayat, Ephesos, and its Products. ÖJh, Bd. Band 89, 2020, S. 11-60(2021) (2020, online: 2021)

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Αντιμετωπίζοντας την εκπαίδευση ως το μηχανισμό, εκείνο που μέσω αυτού αλλά και μέσα από αυτόν διαμορφώνεται μια επικοινωνία με το παρελθόν και συνάμα κατασκευάζεται η καθημερινή πραγματικότητα για τα παιδιά, σχεδιάστηκε ένα εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα το οποίο απευθύνεται σε παιδιά προσχολικής ηλικίας και αφορά ένα κομμάτι της τοπικής ιστορίας της Νάξου. Ο σχεδιασμός μιας μαθησιακής διαδικασίας σε διαθεματικό πλαίσιο με τη χρήση παιχνιδιού, στοχεύει στην ενεργή εμπλοκή των παιδιών, στην εξέλιξη του τρόπου σκέψης και δράσης τους, στην ανάπτυξη δεξιοτήτων όπου αφορούν την ολότητά τους. Ταυτόχρονα, η συγκεκριμένη προσπάθεια στηρίζεται στην άποψη ότι γνώση και μάθηση είναι αποτέλεσμα μιας συνεργατικής διαδικασίας και αλληλεπίδρασης των συμμετεχόντων. Το εκπαιδευτικό αυτό πρόγραμμα παρουσιάζει την σχέση μεταξύ μιας αρχαιολόγου, με ένα χελιδόνι, μια αράχνη, ένας γλάρος και τους Κούρους της Νάξου, καθώς και τα παιδιά ενός νηπιαγωγείου. Μέσα από ένα παιχνίδι το οποίο ακροβατεί μεταξύ πραγματικότητας και φαντασίας, παιδιά προσχολικής ηλικίας εξερευνούν το μαρμάρινο παρελθόν της Νάξου και γνωρίζουν Κούρους της αρχαϊκής εποχής. Μυστήρια γράμματα καταφθάνουν στην τάξη που τους ωθούν να γίνουν ερευνητές και να εξερευνήσουν το παρελθόν. Η διαθεματική προσέγγιση του εκπαιδευτικού προγράμματος προσκαλεί και προκαλεί τα παιδιά να επεξεργαστούν τη συνθήκη περιπλέκοντας θετικά ιστορία, τέχνη, γεωγραφία, ζωολογία, μαθηματικά και τη λαογραφία του νησιού.

Panagiotopoulou K., Anevlavis E., Anevlavi V., Κούρο-ιστορίες: Εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα για παιδιά προσχολικής ηλικίας με θέμα τους Κούρους της Νάξου. Πρακτικά Συνεδρίου, Η εκπαίδευση στον 21ο αιώνα, Τόμος Δ΄, (2021) 153-161

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Αντιμ

Anevlavi V., Cenati C., Katsarova V., Prochaska W., Ladstätter S., Marble Provenance Analysis: The case study of Kasnakovo. Metalla Sonderheft, Bd. 9, S. (2019) 52–55.

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Primary semantic condensations through symbols cannot be linguistically shaped as a whole by man. Condensation through images and symbols, which takes a form perceived both mentally and sensually, leads us to the study of the ecclesiastical image and how it affects expression and communication, functioning as an essential part of this condensation. The icon is intertwined with religious worship and religious tourism, as at the same time its creation is a special artistic system. As such, the system has its principles and values. Not looking for photographic resemblance to the original and its representation, this particular visual system records some of its features that shape its existence. The deliberate removal of the temporary and the perishable, but also the avoidance of attributing personal characteristics and emotions to the forms, are decisive elements in the formation of a form of communication. This communication draws its main part from the sacred and speaks of spiritual life, and which also draws from the treasure of myths and leads to religiosity. Also, this communication is ultimately based on icons that survive through their metaphysical truth and which do not need to change form every time to be perceived by the believer-viewer. The similarity observed in the interiority, in the moral-spiritual dimension of the icons is the one that defines them and separates them from any other art form over time.

Argyropoulou M., Anevlavis E., Anevlavi V. (2020) The ecclesiastical image as a conductor of communication and information in pilgrimage tourism, International Journal of Cultural and Digital Tourism (Athens) (Accepted May 2020).

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Considering education as a planned interventionist process, far from random and fragmented learning, an attempt will be made to present a proposal aimed at utilizing the Jesuit Resort in the “Kalamitsia” of Naxos as a place for the development of educational programs. It is a sequence of actions with a unified narrative structure and an active involvement of educated individuals in an out-of-school environment that will lead to the acquisition and acquisition of cognitive skills. As part of the study of the promotion of the Jesuit Resort as a museum and exhibition space, a parallel thematic theme was developed concerning the implementation of educational programs. These educational programs aim at highlighting the island through various themes (geology, agriculture, archaeology, culture, etc.). The aim of the educational programs is the utilization of multiple information and events from the island of Naxos and the in-depth study and understanding of the various themes of the programs by Greek and foreign students.

Ανεβλαβής Εμ., Αργυροπούλου Μ., Ανεβλαβή Β., Εστιάζοντας στο πολιτισμικό απόθεμα της ιδιαίτερης πατρίδας: Προτάσεις εκπαιδευτικών προγραμμάτων με θέμα την Νάξο. Πρακτικά 4^ου Πανελλήνιου Συνεδρίου ‘Εκπαίδευση στον 21ο αιώνα: Σχολείο και Πολιτισμός’. (2019) 118-127.

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