Studying Stone Extraction in Antiquity: Methods and Current Challenges
International Workshop
Date: October 17, 2025 8:40 AM – 6:00 PM
Venue: Foyer Suisse, Odos Skaramanga 4b, GR-104 33 Athens
The presentations will be broadcast online: please send an email to request the connexion link to workshopquarry25@esag.swiss
Organisers:
– Jérôme André (Universités de Lausanne et Lyon II),
– Chloé Chezeaux (Université de Lausanne),
– Chloé Damay (UMR 6566 CReAAH),
– Yvan Maligorne (Centre de recherche bretonne et celtique, Université de Bretagne Occidentale)
Workshop Overview
The study of ancient quarries relies on the analysis of the traces left by their exploitation. Identifying extraction techniques, understanding their evolution and transmission, and precisely dating these processes
represent significant challenges in the study of these sites.
Addressing these issues requires a multidisciplinary approach combining archaeology and geology. This workshop aims to bring together researchers to share recent advances and ongoing studies on these topics. The discussions will focus on two main aspects: first, the various methods used to examine ancient quarries (mapping, surveys, geological studies, technical analyses,
experimental archaeology); and second, the methodological challenges and the interpretation of extraction marks. Beyond technical aspects, the workshop also seeks to refine our understanding of the organization and operation of quarries over time.
This event is intended as a platform for dialogue and the comparison of approaches, bringing together researchers working on quarries from across the Mediterranean basin. The goal is to present and discuss specific research challenges, illustrated by concrete case studies. Rather than simply showcasing finalized results, we encourage contributions that present ongoing analyses and reflections, openly addressing difficulties and uncertainties inherent to these studies. In this way, we hope to create a space for fruitful discussions and debates among research teams.
Program