Marble in Ancient World

Marble in ancient world has a unique role. From prehistoric Cycladic figurines to the Parthenon Marbles and beyond, marble has been used time and again in ancient art and architecture to honor the gods, celebrate beauty and impress the public.

Marble Mark in History

Marble is a stone that has been loved for many years. Many, if not most, cultures in the world have marble somewhere in their history. Marble comes from limestone that has been compressed and exposed to heat over time. Marble’s signature look with stretched veins is what many people know as marble. Because of the popularity of that timeless look, marble has been used throughout history. Marble can come in a variety of colors and patterns. Keep reading to learn more about how marble made it’s mark in history.

Marble in Ancient Egypt

Though it was not milled in quantities as a great as limestone, some marble has been found within the tombs of pharaohs and high-ranking officials. The great pyramids are a sight to be seen outside of Giza, in Egypt. Marble vessels were placed within the kings’ tombs that held their organs, including their hearts and lungs, so that they would have them in the afterlife. The marble vials would be carved in the shape of sacred animals, inlaid with gold or other delicate carvings, and placed next to the king’s sarcophagus, which was also inlaid with marble, and/or gold. Marble and gold were the finest building and decorating materials in Ancient Egypt, and they were adored by all.

Marble in Ancient Greece

When one thinks of Ancient Greece, the first images that come to mind is probably men and women in togas, crowned with green wreaths, the Trojan War, and a parade of gleaming white marble. Ancient Greece, though, didn’t just use marble for fine homes and excellent public spaces. Marble was also used to create some of the most beautiful art for that period. The Venus de Milo is one of the most famous sculptures that has ever graced the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, and it was carved out of marble in Ancient Greece. Just like the sculpture, marble itself is a standard of beauty in Ancient Europe for buildings, and art.

Marble in Medieval and Renaissance Europe

Europe’s love for marble survived the Dark Ages after the fall of the Roman Empire to make its way into the floors of the most majestic cathedrals and palaces.  Marble was mined from different parts of different countries, milled, processed, carved, and carefully shipped to be loved by many. The finest homes, usually reserved for royal families, featured marble floors and marble fixtures, too. Marble fixtures like sinks and clocks would peak in popularity among the European bourgeois in the 19th century.

Marble in Renaissance Asia

Shining marble star of Asia is the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Taj Mahal is a gorgeous white marble mausoleum constructed in the mid-17th century by a king for his favorite wife. The structure is located near a river, and attracts thousands from all over the world every year.

The Modern Marbles

It was towards the 15th and 16th centuries that the taste for marble regained vigor, thanks to the Renaissance, whether it was Italian and then French. The glorious reigns of the sovereign Medici of Tuscany completely raised the use of marble. Michelangelo had recognized and proved that the study of antiquity was the true guide to good taste in the art of sculpture. The construction of the church of St. Peter at Rome showed the fortunate advantage of the ancient marbles. Rome, Florence and Pisa became famous by their own ruins. The Medici rediscovered the marble throughout Europe. In France, marble took on a political dimension and became a national identity. Louis XIV had the castle of Versailles built using the finest materials and the most expensive of the kingdom. 

Final Statement

Marble has made an impression in many places all over the world and continues to bring new love and light to homes.

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Sources

www.greece-is.com/greek-marble-the-stone-that-shaped-the-world/#:~:text=From%20time%20immemorial%2C%20marble%20has,the%20Aegean%20Early%20Bronze%20Age.

www.resimarmo.eu/resimarmo-quarries/history-of-marble/

www.limestone.com/about-us/limestone-learning-center/brief-history-marble/