The Colossal Archaic Naxian Statues in the Sanctuary of Apollo on Delos

Stable isotope analysis of marble fragments from the Naxian Colossus on Delos challenges long-held assumptions about the statue's origins and composition. Contrary to earlier beliefs, the data suggests that the remnants likely belong to at least three distinct Archaic-period colossal statues rather than a single replacement for an original 600 BCE work. This finding, combined with stylistic and proportional evidence, provides new insights into the highly debated inscription on the statue's base: 'I am of the same stone, statue and base.' The study highlights the potential and limitations of marble isotope analysis in resolving complex archaeological questions.

Sheedy, K. A., & Pike, S. (2025). The Colossal Archaic Naxian Statues in the Sanctuary of Apollo on Delos. American Journal of Archaeology, 129(1), 25–57. https://doi.org/10.1086/732757