Katherine Irwin
AEAH 4840
University of North Texas
Dr. Karlyn Griffith

In Bosman’s Article, Spolia in the Fourth-Century Basilic, the author asks if “spolia” was really used in Old St. Peter’s Basilica and why was it used? He further investigates why this mattered to anyone and what would have changed if only new material was used in the creation of Old St. Peter’s Basilica. Bosman states, “A number of important questions are raised by the spolia apparently incorporated into the Early Christian basilica of Saint Peter. Can it be established that spolia was actually used in the basilica? If so, is it possible to determine why spolia was used instead of new, previously unused, material?” (Bosman, 2013, p. 66)
Bosman sets out to prove that the technique of spolia was used in the fourth century for meaningful and aesthetic purposes only. He states that some scholars in the past connect spolia to the effect of supply shortage or cost reasons, but Bosman argues that Roman emperors had all the resources they needed to produce the type of basilica they desired and cost was not a factor for them. I agree with Bosman’s perspective based on his study of the multicolored, marble columns in Old St. Peter’s Basilica. His research proved that some of the original forty-four columns had never been used before, but twenty-eight of the nave columns were in fact spolia. (Bosman, 2013) The specific re-used columns were made from detailed marble that Constantine probably wanted in his basilica because of their uniqueness and meaningful value. In Stockstad’s Medieval Art Early Christian Period, it is stated, “Constantine intended that the basilica over the shrine be larger and more splendid in appearance than any other religious buildings.” (Stockstad, 2004, p. 30) If another previously made monument had included an element that Constantine liked, it would not have been shocking if he had taken the element to use for his own purpose. In conclusion, I think the technique of spolia is why the Roman architecture lasted for so many years and the presence of the Roman Empire continues to be studied and viewed today. Spolia is a unique technique that preserved the past and ensured only the most exquisite Roman pieces survived this era. For example, Marcus Aurelius’ equestrian statue is the only piece of its kind that survived this era out of dozens of other equestrian statues because the detail and materials were so divine. In describing the Roman architecture of this era Bosman says, “These remarkable buildings were a way of connecting with the past, rather than deliberately breaking away from it.” (Bosman, 2013, p. 80) I concur with Bosman’s belief that spolia is the art form of natural selection and that the Roman architects trends should be continued and embraced still today.