spolia

(noun)

The repurposing of building stone for new construction, or the reuse of decorative sculpture on new monuments.

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(noun)

The reuse of building material or decorative sculpture for new buildings or monuments. Latin for "spoils. ".

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Examples of spolia in the following topics:

  • The Romans After Constantine

    • Today when touring Rome, you can easily spot spolia of ancient Roman columns, capitals, and bases used to build and decorate medieval Christian churches.

  • Architecture under Constantine

    • The Arch of Constantine is especially noted for its use of spolia, architectural and decorative elements removed from one monument for use on another.
    • The final set of spolia includes eight panel reliefs on the arch's attic, from the era of Marcus Aurelius, depicting the dual identities of the emperor, as both a military and a civic leader.

  • Carolingian Architecture in the Early European Middle Ages

    • The chapel makes use of ancient spolia, conceivably from Ravenna, as well as newly carved materials.