Would ancient limestone sculptures (those massive Assyrian figures) that went into the Tigris in 1850s still survive or would they be eroded into pebbles by now? How long might they have survived? Would the alabaster pieces last longer than the limestone ones?
Sculpture in river
- Thread starter Lil
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As for alabaster, it would depend on the type. Apparently, the alabaster of the ancient Mideast is calcite, and that would be more durable than limestone.
Is the Tigris silty, or is that the Euphrates? Muddy, silty rivers tend to bury things, while rocky ones grind things.
Is the Tigris silty, or is that the Euphrates? Muddy, silty rivers tend to bury things, while rocky ones grind things.
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If the sculptures have particular features you want to be recognizable, I'd have them fall into the river with the pertinent parts face-down, so that after the initial thump, that side would be protected from the scouring and grinding of sand and rocks.
I remember limestone as being particularly sensitive to erosion due to water working. Many of the caves and sinkholes form in limestone, if I recall correctly.
That said, Egyptian statues are still being pulled (relatively intact) from the Nile every year and they've been in there sometimes quite a bit longer then the 1850s. Often buried under silt, mind you. But I don't recall whether any of the statues that I've seen being lifted in documentaries were limestone. The ancient Egyptians also used other rocks for statues.
That said, Egyptian statues are still being pulled (relatively intact) from the Nile every year and they've been in there sometimes quite a bit longer then the 1850s. Often buried under silt, mind you. But I don't recall whether any of the statues that I've seen being lifted in documentaries were limestone. The ancient Egyptians also used other rocks for statues.
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Basalt and granite, both very hard rocks, were popular for Egyptian statues.
EDiT: The Assyrians too. Are you sure those statues were limestone?
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I'm not at all sure, though I know some of the statues and carvings were limestone and gypsum. Others may have been from harder rocks. I came across a reference to this event and signs began flashing "Potential story here." So I thought I'd ask.
You might be interested in this article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/29/heracleion-photos-lost-egyptian-city_n_3178208.html
I do know it depends on the type of limestone. Some just fall apart, while others last for centuries. For the sake of your idea, you could certainly make it work.
I do know it depends on the type of limestone. Some just fall apart, while others last for centuries. For the sake of your idea, you could certainly make it work.