Spolia in Rome (the reuse of older building materials)

[Ludovicus]

It's common knowledge that in the late Empire and continuing through the 17th century ancient columns from the Forum, the baths, temples, etc. ended up in new buildings. If you've ever been inside the Ara Coelis Church on the Campidoglio you've probably noticed most of the columns don't match. It's because they were taken from older constructions, probably from the Forum, just a few meters away. Architectural elements plundered from older buildings is known as "spolia."

 

Are there any easy to access resources that identify the sources of the spolia in Rome's great churches?

 

I believe the doors of St. John's Lateran were taken from the Curia (Senate House).

[Maladict]

I've never seen a comprehensive list or anything of the sort.

Most of the spolia cannot be securely attributed anyway, so that would make it hard to compile one. Still I suppose an attempt do so so would have value.

 

There's a book called Spolia by Lucilla de Lachenal which is quite good.

It's more focused on the pratice of spoliation itself but includes lots of examples.

You'll need to learn Italian, though.

[Ludovicus]

I've never seen a comprehensive list or anything of the sort.

Most of the spolia cannot be securely attributed anyway, so that would make it hard to compile one. Still I suppose an attempt do so so would have value.

 

There's a book called Spolia by Lucilla de Lachenal which is quite good.

It's more focused on the pratice of spoliation itself but includes lots of examples.

You'll need to learn Italian, though.

 

Benissimo! Tante grazie.

[Maladict]

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