Used by the Etruscans and the Romans, ancient porphyry is a variant that came from Ancient Egypt after it was conquered by Augustus following the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. The Egyptians, in fact, used it in their works, associating it with royal power. From the 5th century AD it also became a symbol of the body of Christ. Porphyry, like purple, was a prerogative of ancient emperors because it was an expression of royalty and power. This symbolism was especially alive in Byzantine culture.
