The practice involves the re-use of architectural elements and sculptural fragments from older buildings or monuments in new constructions. This appropriation often carries symbolic weight, indicating conquest, continuity, or a deliberate alignment with a respected past. For instance, Roman columns might be incorporated into a medieval church, visually linking the new structure to the authority and grandeur of the Roman Empire.
This re-purposing highlights complex relationships between cultures and eras. It offers insight into the values and priorities of the society undertaking the re-use. Furthermore, it provides valuable information about the original structures from which the materials were taken, especially when those structures no longer exist or are poorly preserved. This practice served a variety of purposes, ranging from practical considerations of material availability to profound statements of cultural and political power.
