Fragment of Eygptian Porphyry from Villa Adriani

Villa Adriani was a retreat for Emporer Hadrian, located near Tibur, also known as Tivoli, Italy. It was considered a masterpiece of architecture, with a series of artificial esplanades and extensive gardens.

Following the decline of the Roman Empire during the 4th Century, the Villa fell into ruin, with some valuable pieces and materials taken by Hadrians successors. The Villa was pronounced a UNESCO heritage site in 1999 given its historical significance.

This piece of Porphyry is a semi-precious stone that was featured within the Villa. The only source for this stone was in a single Mountain in Egypt - making it incredibly rare, and valuable. It was used throughout the Roman Empire for feature panels, floor tiles, statues, sarcophagi and pillars in official buildings. It is a very dense, purple, volcanic stone, with fine, small, white inclusions. The mountain was known to the Romans as Mons Porphyry.

Complete with beautiful early 20th Century label, featuring handwritten text on the reverse. From the Private collection of Geologist Walter Dick LRCS, LRCP, ED & ETC (Licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons, Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians).

Size, measures approximately 5cm in length

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