It should be stressed that all numbers are estimations since only in the rarest cases have monoliths been actually weighed. Rather, weight is calculated by multiplying
volume by
density. The main source, J. J. Coulton, assumes 2.75 t/m3 for
marble and 2.25 t/m3 for other stone.[4] For an explanation of the large margin of error, which often leads to widely differing numbers, see
these introductory remarks.
Greek monoliths
Below a selection of Greek monoliths sorted by their date.
First in
Ionia, the weight of the lifted blocks begins to match again that of the
Archaic period, indicating a mastery of the
winch and
compound pulley hoist by now.[6]
The existence of the U-shaped channels on the stone blocks (here at the
Temple of Heracles) points at the use of
cranes for lifting them into place.[18]
^In case of Egyptian obelisks, date of ship transport to Rome.
^Although the mausoleum reflects Ostrogothic style, the method for moving the monolithic roof slab and positioning it on top of the building relied on the continuity of Roman techniques into the reign of Theoderic.
Adam, Jean-Pierre (1977), "À propos du trilithon de Baalbek: Le transport et la mise en oeuvre des mégalithes", Syria, 54 (1/2): 31–63,
doi:
10.3406/syria.1977.6623
Heidenreich, Robert; Johannes, Heinz (1971), Das Grabmal Theoderichs zu Ravenna, Wiesbaden: Franz Steiner Verlag
Jones, Mark Wilson (1993), "One Hundred Feet and a Spiral Stair: The Problem of Designing Trajan's Column", Journal of Roman Archaeology, 6: 23–38,
doi:
10.1017/S1047759400011454,
S2CID250348951
Maxfield, Valerie A. (2001), "Stone Quarrying in the Eastern Desert with Particular Reference to Mons Claudianus and Mons Porphyrites", in Mattingly, David J.; Salmon, John (eds.), Economies Beyond Agriculture in the Classical World, Leicester-Nottingham Studies in Ancient Society, vol. 9, London: Routledge, pp. 143–170,
ISBN0-415-21253-7
Ruprechtsberger, Erwin M. (1999), "Vom Steinbruch zum Jupitertempel von Heliopolis/Baalbek (Libanon)", Linzer Archäologische Forschungen, 30: 7–56
It should be stressed that all numbers are estimations since only in the rarest cases have monoliths been actually weighed. Rather, weight is calculated by multiplying
volume by
density. The main source, J. J. Coulton, assumes 2.75 t/m3 for
marble and 2.25 t/m3 for other stone.[4] For an explanation of the large margin of error, which often leads to widely differing numbers, see
these introductory remarks.
Greek monoliths
Below a selection of Greek monoliths sorted by their date.
First in
Ionia, the weight of the lifted blocks begins to match again that of the
Archaic period, indicating a mastery of the
winch and
compound pulley hoist by now.[6]
The existence of the U-shaped channels on the stone blocks (here at the
Temple of Heracles) points at the use of
cranes for lifting them into place.[18]
^In case of Egyptian obelisks, date of ship transport to Rome.
^Although the mausoleum reflects Ostrogothic style, the method for moving the monolithic roof slab and positioning it on top of the building relied on the continuity of Roman techniques into the reign of Theoderic.
Adam, Jean-Pierre (1977), "À propos du trilithon de Baalbek: Le transport et la mise en oeuvre des mégalithes", Syria, 54 (1/2): 31–63,
doi:
10.3406/syria.1977.6623
Heidenreich, Robert; Johannes, Heinz (1971), Das Grabmal Theoderichs zu Ravenna, Wiesbaden: Franz Steiner Verlag
Jones, Mark Wilson (1993), "One Hundred Feet and a Spiral Stair: The Problem of Designing Trajan's Column", Journal of Roman Archaeology, 6: 23–38,
doi:
10.1017/S1047759400011454,
S2CID250348951
Maxfield, Valerie A. (2001), "Stone Quarrying in the Eastern Desert with Particular Reference to Mons Claudianus and Mons Porphyrites", in Mattingly, David J.; Salmon, John (eds.), Economies Beyond Agriculture in the Classical World, Leicester-Nottingham Studies in Ancient Society, vol. 9, London: Routledge, pp. 143–170,
ISBN0-415-21253-7
Ruprechtsberger, Erwin M. (1999), "Vom Steinbruch zum Jupitertempel von Heliopolis/Baalbek (Libanon)", Linzer Archäologische Forschungen, 30: 7–56