Tracing the origin of ancient building stones for monument preservation using Engineering Geology: insights from the Abdera quarries in Greece

Today, the development of ancient civilizations is reflected, among other things, in the important engineering works and monuments preserved, for the construction of which building stones from ancient quarries were used. Engineering geology can be engaged to identify and study such ancient quarries around ancient works, as well as to correlate the construction materials of the latter with the rocks found in these quarries. This paper presents the results of the engineering geological research studies conducted in the ancient quarries of Mandra and Petrolofos in Xanthi, Greece. The aim of the research was to interpret the parameters of the mining development in these quarries and the association of the excavated building stones with the walls and other structures of the adjacent city of Abdera. Τo determine the engineering-geological characteristics and tectonic structure of the quarry sites, field investigations were conducted, accompanied by laboratory examination of collected samples. The results highlight the significant influence of the geotectonic framework on the formation and accessibility of the quarry materials and reveal a satisfactory correlation between the stones from the quarries and those found in the archaeological remains of Abdera. The study highlights the importance of preserving and promoting these ancient quarries for scientific research, education, and geotourism.