El uso del marmor en el Ager Tarraconensis: la villa romana de Els Munts (Altafulla, Tarragona)

Abstract

If we talk about marbles and other ornamental rocks (marmora), the Roman villa of Els Munts is an exceptional case: the quantity, variety and profusion of use of these materials in this aristocratic residence are unparalleled in its time not only in the Ager Tarraconensis but even in the whole of the northern half of the conventus Tarraconensis.

This demonstration of socioeconomic power does not make sense if we study it as an isolated case. On the other hand, if we make a comparison with the rest of the rural settlements of the Ager Tarraconensis, and even with the capital itself, Tarraco, the magnificence of this villa makes sense. Thus, a comparative exercise has to be carried out in order to understand that this town only makes sense if we compare it with “the other”, that is, with the desire to stand out and differentiate itself from the “neighbor”.