Gephyra (May 2023)
Akklamationen aus Neoklaudiopolis (Vezirköprü/Samsun İli, Türkei). Mit Appendices zu christlichen Sarkophagen und zu dekorierten Preßgewichten
Abstract
It is quite likely that all five inscriptions from Neoklaudiopolis/Vezirköprü presented in this paper are acclamations. They originate from Christian context. The objects on which they are placed – apart from one capital – cannot be identified with absolute certainty. In one case, it is probably a sarcophagus, in another a part of a pilaster, in the other two cases plinths – or, although less likely, weights of wine or oil presses. Four of the objects are decorated with crosses, whereby in two cases the cross is interpreted as The Tree of Life. The motif ›The Cross as Tree of Life‹ is quite common in Neoklaudiopolis. It is depicted in several designs, especially on sarcophagi and on architectural elements such as capitals and on a slab that may be regarded as an altar screen. This is documented by photographs. The sarcophagi that are known from the territory of Neoklaudiopolis and that can be identified as Christian are compiled in an appendix. They are all decorated with crosses in different design varieties. In one extraordinary case, the head of a bovine is depicted between two crosses. In a second appendix, stones decorated with crosses originating from the territory of Neoklaudiopolis are presented. It is certain that two of them are press weights, another two are very likely to be press weights, and with others it is at least arguable. The recording of the inscriptions, sarcophagi and press weights was done by Eckart Olshausen and Gerhard Kahl between 1988 and 1990.
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