The International Conference titled "Classical Tradition and Modern Elements" in the sculpture of Roman Greece took place at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in May 2009, initiated by the undersigned and participated in by 37 speakers.

We consider the organization of an international conference on the sculpture of Greece during the Roman era on Greek soil to be a significant event in the archaeological matters of the region. This is because archaeological research in Greece, at least concerning the Greek perspective, has not given due attention to the study of this period until recently, despite the efforts of certain scholars and the wealth and quality of the preserved monuments.

However, in recent years, there has been a significant change in this area, as evidenced by doctoral theses being developed in Greek universities, as well as relevant archaeological activities such as scientific conferences and mainly exhibitions - both permanent and temporary - in Greek museums.

Moreover, significant findings that have come to light through archaeological research, including groups of sculptures of particular artistic and historical importance, make imperative the need to create a broad circle of scholars, especially Greeks, with research interests focused on the Roman period in Greece.

The publication of this volume in a relatively short period confirms our belief that there is fertile ground for promoting the goal we have set. We even consider it advisable, to the extent that this will be feasible, to continue the effort we initiated with the organization of other scientific meetings in the same direction, so that the archaeological interest in the research of the Greek space in the years from the Roman conquest to late antiquity can be further cultivated and yield more mature fruits.

The volume begins with the texts of three lectures that accompanied the presentations during the three days of the conference. Two of these provide a comprehensive picture for the study of two major groups of Roman sculpture, the acrolithic statues and the Attic sarcophagi. The third represents an extension of our topic in the Asia Minor region, specifically in Aphrodisias, as a clear reference to the research of an area that we would have liked to include in the conference, but it was not practically feasible.

The presentations are arranged geographically, so that the reader of the volume receives them as larger units, while their internal arrangement is based on the type of sculptures.