History of the Porphyry
The term “porphyry” originates from Ancient Greek, describing the rich purple color of the stone. It is an igneous rock known for its large, distinct crystals within a fine-grained matrix, distinct from the coarser matrix of granite. The presence of phenocrysts containing reddish-brown to violet minerals gives rise to its iconic red and purple hues. While “porphyry” has become a generic term for rocks with large spots or crystals, the purple variety from the Mons Porphyrites region is known as red porphyry, purple porphyry, or imperial porphyry. The extreme scarcity of red porphyry significantly contributed to its immense value, further enhancing its overall allure.
Egyptian Quarry
First exploited by the Egyptians around 1500 BCE, the primary source of this valuable stone was the ancient Mons Porphyrites. This remote quarry was situated in the Eastern Desert of Egypt, specifically within the mountain Jebel Dhokan. Quarrying activities at Mons Porphyrites persisted until around 500 BCE, producing substantial blocks of this distinctive material. After the Fall of Rome, the exact location of the quarry in Egypt was lost and remained undiscovered until 1823.
Ancient Appeal of Red Porphyry
Porphyry’s history dates back to ancient times when it found use in both architectural and purely decorative elements. This exceptionally hard, dense, and heavy stone was transported by river and sea to various parts of the ancient world. The extraction and transportation of these hefty stone blocks represented monumental undertakings, emphasizing the immense value attributed to red porphyry by ancient civilizations.
In order to meet demand, the Romans extensively exploited the quarries, employing thousands of workers. They also had to transport it by ship from Egypt to other regions. Furthermore, they used specialized tools including solid, likely Roman, steel to cut the stone.
Imperial Appeal for Porphyry
Red porphyry boasts a rich history of use in Egyptian construction and architecture. The ancient Egyptians prized it highly for various projects, including temples, tombs, and monuments. However, its most significant use occurred during the imperial period in Rome, where it held a special place of favor among Roman royalty. The hue of the stone closely resembles the purple of the dye derived from shellfish, a hue adorning the garments of the Senatorial class.
Red porphyry thus became synonymous with imperial power, adorning the rooms of emperors’ palaces and even serving as the material for their sarcophagi.
Roman emperors imported red porphyry to use it in tiled floors, colored columns, vases, and of course, busts and sculptures. This stone played a pivotal role in the creation of magnificent works of art and architecture, underlining its significance in Roman building projects.
Byzantine Legacy
After the Fall of Rome, the quarry at Mons Porphyrites was abandoned and the use of red porphyry declined significantly in Europe. However, its legacy continued in Byzantine art. During the Byzantine Empire, in keeping with the Roman tradition, red porphyry was incorporated into their regalia and church decorations. Notable examples of this enduring tradition include the red porphyry columns of Hagia Sophia and the Imperial Palace in Constantinople, as well as the commissioned sarcophagi for Byzantine rulers.