New data on the phrygian statues from the Basilica Aemilia in the Roman Forum

The survey of the marble fragments of the Oriental statues from the Basilica Aemilia in the Roman Forum offered an opportunity to re-examine the materials held by the Parco archeologico del Colosseo. We studied the disiecta membra of the bodies in pavonazzetto and giallo antico marble, and the nude parts made of white marble that complete the sculptures, such as the finely-crafted heads with traces of pigment and a few hands. Archaeometric analyses of the white marbles reveal the use of parian marble (Lychnites variety) for the heads and hands, and of pentelic marble for the plinths. The hundreds of fragments examined turned out to be of special interest for the study of the posture and garments of the statues. This allowed us to propose a virtual reconstruction model of the statues belonging to the architectural decorations of the Augustan period Basilica.