The poros quarries of Samos

Abstract

Original title: Die Poros-Steinbrüche von Samos

An extensive quarry stretches across a hillside not far west of the ancient city of Samos; large quantities of poros were obtained here for use in the large-scale Archaic buildings of the city and sanctuary. The stone is found in massive layers reaching from the summit down to the bottom of the hill; a total of seven extraction sites can be distinguished. In order to make the work as efficient as possible, the poros was excavated in caves, the deepest of which is cut approximately 100 m into the hill. Quarrying began at the top of the hill and ultimately encompassed the entire slope. On-site observations attest this process; traces of the work also give insight into the quarrying methods used. The caves created in the process are well preserved; the poros quarries of Samos are among the most impressive of the Archaic period.