Marmi parii per opere scultoree ed epigrafiche fenicie e puniche. Circolazione di pietre, uomini e idee fra VI e II secolo a.C.

Abstract

The Greek origin, Parian in particular, of the marbles used for the creation of the Phoenician and Punic sculptures
is now unanimously recognised. However, these artefacts are overall few in number if compared with the
vast Aegean, Egyptian or Mesopotamian sculptural production. Anthropoid sarcophagi have occupied a leading
role in studies, but they have been affected by an antiquarian view, still focused on the history of art. This
contribution, providing an examination of the Phoenician and Punic marble sculptural and epigraphic works
and collecting the archaeometric information available on these objects, attempts to reconstruct the supply sea
routes, transport and redistribution of Parian marble. In these ships, in addition to the stones, travelled men
belonging to different cultures and carrying different technical skills.

Key words: Parian marble, Phoenician and Punic sculpture, anthropoid sarcophagi, Aegean sea routes, Paros.