Two Roman sarcophagi in Potsdam

Investigations on two Roman sarcophagi made of Proconnesian marble in Potsdam showed a clear exposure dependence of weathering. Sarcophagus No. 731 (Figure 1 a and Figure 2) showed significantly lower ultrasonic velocity than Sarcophagus No. 732 (Figure 1 b and Figure 3). Both sarcophagi were excavated near Izmir/Turkey and brought to Germany in the 19th century. They were converted into fountain basins and are located in front of the Orangery in the Potsdam Palace Garden. Sarcophagus No. 731 is exposed to intense sunlight.

Although Proconnesian marble is probably the most important marble of antiquity and has been widely used throughout the Mediterranean, an intensive literature search has revealed that there are very few publications on its weathering and conservation. For Carrara marble (Italy) there are more than ten times more corresponding studies.

The studies were carried out for and in cooperation with PKZ Werkstätten für Denkmalpflege Poznan on behalf of Stiftung Preußische Schlösser und Gärten Berlin-Brandenburg.