Marmora and other stones in the architectural decoration of early imperial Barcino (Barcelona, Spain)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present the results of a research project recently conducted into the architectural decoration of Barcino (modern Barcelona, Spain) during the Early Imperial period. The study includes a review of previously known architectural elements, as well as the new finds from recent archaeological excavations, exhibited or stored now at the Barcelona Museum of History (MUHBA) and the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia (MAC). The comprehensive typological, stylistic and chronological analysis of these elements has allowed, in specific cases, to propose a hypothetical reconstruction of the original monuments, which is of interest for the understanding of the architecture and town planning of Barcino. A complementary part of this study has been the petrographic and cathodoluminescence analyses of a representative group of these elements, which have enabled to identify some of the marble used in the architectural decoration of the town.