Role of Crystalline Silica (SiO2) in Assessing the Fame and Quality of Quarries and Work Hazards in Roman Times

This study aims to shed light on the occupational diseases that affected quarry workers during the Roman period, particularly silicosis caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust. While physical injuries like fractures were common, the focus here is on respiratory diseases previously overlooked. The study introduces a new methodology to assess the impact of Roman quarries on workers' health, and the quality and uses of the extracted stones. It involves petrographic examination, XRD (X-ray Diffraction), and XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) analysis to measure the content of various types of crystalline silica in ancient quarries. The study analyzes archaeological evidence and skeletal remains from sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum and reviews ancient historians like Pliny the Elder and Strabo. This research offers a deeper understanding of the health risks associated with harsh working conditions in Roman quarries, particularly focusing on the prevalence of silicosis among workers.