Plamena Dakasheva

Mrs. Plamena Dakasheva


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 July 2025 in Minerals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
VAVasiliki Anevlavi
Vasiliki Anevlavi
WPWalter Prochaska
Walter Prochaska
PDPlamena Dakasheva
Plamena Dakasheva
ZDZdravko Dimitrov
Zdravko Dimitrov
PAPetya Andreeva Andreeva
Petya Andreeva Andreeva
This study explores the provenance of white marble architectural elements from Roman Philippopolis, with a particular focus on the Eastern Gate complex. By determining the origin of the marble, we aim to elucidate economic, social, and urban dynamics related to material selection and trade networks. The investigation examines the symbolic significance of prestigious marble in elite representation and highlights the role of quarry exploitation in the region’s economic and technological development. The Eastern Gate, a monumental ensemble integrated into the city’s urban fabric, was primarily constructed with local Rhodope marble, alongside imported materials such as Prokonnesian marble. Analytical methods included petrographic examination, chemical analysis of trace elements (Mn, Mg, Fe, Sr, Y, V, Cd, La, Ce, Yb, and U), and stable isotope analysis (δ18O, δ13C). Statistical evaluations were performed for each sample (37 in total) and compared with a comprehensive database of ancient quarry sources. The results underscore the dominance of local materials while also indicating selective use of imports, potentially linked to symbolic or functional criteria. The findings support the hypothesis of local workshop activity in the Asenovgrad/Philippopolis area and shed light on regional and long-distance marble trade during the Roman Imperial period, reflecting broader economic and cultural interconnections.