The Carbon and Oxygen Isotope Composition of the Marble Inscriptions of Aléria, Corsica

Aléria was the main city of island Corsica in ancient times. Archaeological excavations area where once stood began between 1950s and 1960s brought to light numerous inscriptions mainly carved on slabs white marble; they constitute an important source knowledge city’s institutions, urban topography, society, economy. The provenance marbles, which were carved, can add information about history city. A first visual examination or slab fragments allows us state that Carrara is probably most marbles used. Practical reasons lead believe these be traced back two quarry areas: Carrara, somewhere Corsica. determination stable isotope composition could solve this problem. marble, fact, has a narrow range isotopic variability, with values typical marine carbonates, for strong characterization. petrographic method investigation used, as second step, reduced number marble evaluate effectiveness characterization Carrara. results analysis confirmed gray studied have their quarrying area; also revealed presence local quarries uncertain, even Roman