Archaeometric Analysis of the Alabaster Thresholds of Villa A, Oplontis (Torre Annunziata, Italy) and New Sr and Pb Isotopic Data for Alabastro Ghiaccione del Circeo

Archaeometric analysis of alabaster thresholds at Villa A, Oplontis, reveals that while several potential quarry sources can be excluded, the exact origin remains uncertain. This study, combining minero-petrographic and isotopic (Sr and Pb) analyses, underscores the need for a comprehensive database of Roman-period alabaster quarries to better understand ancient material sourcing practices. The thresholds, dating back to the mid-1st century BC, represent one of the most spectacular examples of alabaster use from villas preserved by Vesuvius' eruption in AD 79.

Baker, S. J., Perna, S., Fant, J. C., Lazzarini, L., & Villa, I. M. (2018). Archaeometric Analysis of the Alabaster Thresholds of Villa A, Oplontis (Torre Annunziata, Italy) and New Sr and Pb Isotopic Data for Alabastro Ghiaccione del Circeo. ASMOSIA XI, Interdisciplinary Studies on Ancient Stone, Proceedings of the XI International Conference of ASMOSIA, 215–229. https://doi.org/10.31534/xi.asmosia.2015/02.05