La réutilisation, le réemploi et le recyclage des sculptures romaines et de leurs bases, durant l’Antiquité et à l’époque post-romaine à Thugga (Afrique Proconsulaire)

A unique cycle of sculptural reuse and recycling emerged at Thugga (Dougga), Tunisia, during the late Roman and post-Roman periods. Research reveals that marble bases of imperial statues from the High Empire were repurposed in the third quarter of the 3rd century, with new inscriptions honoring additional members of the imperial family. This practice, documented across North Africa under Gallien's rule, reflects both material and ideological shifts, creating a distinct statuary group. The study also highlights Byzantine-era reuse of stelae and bases for construction, domestic, and decorative purposes, alongside evidence of marble recycling—demonstrating how sculpted materials were systematically repurposed into new architectural cycles.

Damay, C. (2025). La réutilisation, le réemploi et le recyclage des sculptures romaines et de leurs bases, durant l’Antiquité et à l’époque post-romaine à Thugga (Afrique Proconsulaire). Réemploi, Réutilisation, Référence Dans Les Sociétés Anciennes, 123–142. https://doi.org/10.4000/15ve1