The quarries of Almaden de la Plata (Seville, Spain) : new data from the recent archaeological interventions

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the archaeological excavations carried out at one of the Almadén de la Plata quarries, the quarry front of Los Covachos and its surrounding area, which were traditionally considered the result of Roman exploitation due to the evidences preserved. These works confirm the dynamic exploitation of the area and emphasize the important activity of this quarry district. They also offer some valuable information about the techniques and exploitation strategies at Almadén de la Plata in relation to the geological features of the marble outcrop. The analysis of the remains preserved in situ is completed by an in-depth study of the products made out of this marble in order to draw a dispersion map which helps us to characterize the local and wider trade of Almadén de la Plata marble within the Baetica Province