The recent synthesis of Roman-period amulets by C. A. Faraone has highlighted the signifi-cance o... more The recent synthesis of Roman-period amulets by C. A. Faraone has highlighted the signifi-cance of such artefacts in strategies of personal and group protection and healing throughout Greek and Roman antiquity. A specific group of such amulets, on semi-precious stones en-graved with images, intercultural words of power, and special signs, was created in late-Hellenistic Egypt, but spread into the eastern Mediterranean mainly in the Roman period. This paper publishes two such magical amulets, one in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the other in the Erimtan Museum of Archaeology and Art, both in Ankara. The first car-ries a fine example of the cock-headed Anguipede figure on the obverse, and, on the reverse, three of the Judaic names of God most commonly found on amulets in this tradition. The sec-ond gem offers no iconography but an interesting Greek inscription, followed by three special signs, appealing to the goddess Gaia (Earth) to protect the wearer. The paper has two m...
Der folgende Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit zwei Funden in den türkischen Museen von İzmir und Marm... more Der folgende Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit zwei Funden in den türkischen Museen von İzmir und Marmaris. Eine der Befunde wird als ‘Die marmorne Statue aus römischer Zeit’, der andere als ‘Goldenes Amulet’ bezeichnet. Beide Stücken werden erstmal hier publizieren. Da beide bislang unvollständig interpretiert wurden, gehen wir hier besonders auf sie ein. Nach einer detaillierten ikonograpischen Analyse des Befundes haben wir uns dafür entschieden, dass beide Stücke zum Typ des ägyptischen Kindgottes “Harpokrates” gehören. Es ist bekannt, dass Harpokrates zu dem ägyptischen Pantheon gehört und auch in der griechischen und römischen Welt einen wichtigen Platz inne hatte. In diesem Text wird auch auf die mythologische Entwicklung des Harpokrates eingegangen. Auch werden wir unsere Interpretation anhand ähnlicher Exemplare aus verschiedenen Museen bekräftigen. Leider befinden sich in den Museen der Türkei viele falsch benannte und interpretierte Stücke. Unser Ziel ist die Erweckung der Aufmerksamkeit auf die in den Museen falsch interpretierte Funden.
Mitteilungen zur Spätantiken Archäologie und Byzantinischen Kunstgeschichte, 2020
The city of Olba has been inhabited by many diverse cultures throughout time. The continuous exca... more The city of Olba has been inhabited by many diverse cultures throughout time. The continuous excavations in the city since 2010 reveal that the history of the city dates back much further than has been previously assumed. According to recent data, the ceramic finds from the Early Bronze Age, including the seal belonging to the Babylonians, which is the most significant one for cultures of the Iron Age, as well as the coins that are important for the settlement between Persian and Macedonian kingdoms, are concrete evidence of the rich cultural identity in the city. Apart from these small finds, traces of the cultural identities of the Hellenistic and Roman periods can be deduced from the many monumental structures in the city. One of the most important cultural processes for the city of Olba, which underwent a process of Hellenization and Romanization, is that of Christianization, as underlined also by this contribution. Christianity, which emerged in Palaestina in the 1st century AC, transformed the Roman state, a pagan society, in cultural and artistic ways. One of the regions in which the new belief system most rapidly spread is Cilicia and Isauria, where the city of Olba is located. The city of Olba is one of the most important representatives of the new religion with its many Christian shrines. Until now, ten Christian sanctuaries have been identified in the city. The most well-known structure is the Olba Monastery, where archaeological excavations have been carried out since 2011. The monastery presents many architectural similarities with other Early Christian structures in Cilicia and Isauria. When the archaeological finds from the excavations are compared with those used in similar structures, especially artefacts with architectural and liturgical function, a common architectural perception in the structures emerges. Other churches identified in the city, primarily the monastery, indicate the importance of small mountain towns such as Olba in Late Antiquity. The data acquired from both the written sources and archaeological excavations strengthens the perception that there is a remarkable Christian population living in the city. In light of this data, it is clear that Olba represents a significant Christian cultural identity in the Early Christian Period.
Regarding political and religious developments, 5th century is chaotic for the Roman Empire. Afte... more Regarding political and religious developments, 5th century is chaotic for the Roman Empire. After the death of Theodosius II. in 450 AD, Marcianus (450-457) took over the control and the first religious event of his time is the council of Chalcedon Chalchedon Consular gathering. With the prevail of the Dual Nature Doctrin (diophysist) in the counsil, struggle between the church and the state turned into a different phase. In this turbulent period, after the Marcianus, Leo (457-474) succeded to the throne. In Leo’s time, the influence of Isaurians who were known as a rebellious community in Constantinople started to appear. When Zeno of Isaurian (474-491) married the daughter of Leo and ascended the throne, the Isaurian influence became more apperent.In this paper it is argued that the architectural aspect and economic condition improved in Isauria through the construction activities in the reign of Zeno. The aim of the study is to examine the construction projects and financial support of Zeno in the region. In this context, it is evaluated that Olba Monastery at which excavations started in 2011 is one of the Project in Zeno building programme. Similarity between the churches and monastery buildings -which are thought to be constructed in Zeno’s time in Cilicia and Isauria regions- and Olba Monastery, in terms of plan, architectural plastic and ornaments is concrete proof of this idea.
The recent synthesis of Roman-period amulets by C. A. Faraone has highlighted the signifi-cance o... more The recent synthesis of Roman-period amulets by C. A. Faraone has highlighted the signifi-cance of such artefacts in strategies of personal and group protection and healing throughout Greek and Roman antiquity. A specific group of such amulets, on semi-precious stones en-graved with images, intercultural words of power, and special signs, was created in late-Hellenistic Egypt, but spread into the eastern Mediterranean mainly in the Roman period. This paper publishes two such magical amulets, one in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the other in the Erimtan Museum of Archaeology and Art, both in Ankara. The first car-ries a fine example of the cock-headed Anguipede figure on the obverse, and, on the reverse, three of the Judaic names of God most commonly found on amulets in this tradition. The sec-ond gem offers no iconography but an interesting Greek inscription, followed by three special signs, appealing to the goddess Gaia (Earth) to protect the wearer. The paper has two m...
Der folgende Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit zwei Funden in den türkischen Museen von İzmir und Marm... more Der folgende Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit zwei Funden in den türkischen Museen von İzmir und Marmaris. Eine der Befunde wird als ‘Die marmorne Statue aus römischer Zeit’, der andere als ‘Goldenes Amulet’ bezeichnet. Beide Stücken werden erstmal hier publizieren. Da beide bislang unvollständig interpretiert wurden, gehen wir hier besonders auf sie ein. Nach einer detaillierten ikonograpischen Analyse des Befundes haben wir uns dafür entschieden, dass beide Stücke zum Typ des ägyptischen Kindgottes “Harpokrates” gehören. Es ist bekannt, dass Harpokrates zu dem ägyptischen Pantheon gehört und auch in der griechischen und römischen Welt einen wichtigen Platz inne hatte. In diesem Text wird auch auf die mythologische Entwicklung des Harpokrates eingegangen. Auch werden wir unsere Interpretation anhand ähnlicher Exemplare aus verschiedenen Museen bekräftigen. Leider befinden sich in den Museen der Türkei viele falsch benannte und interpretierte Stücke. Unser Ziel ist die Erweckung der Aufmerksamkeit auf die in den Museen falsch interpretierte Funden.
Mitteilungen zur Spätantiken Archäologie und Byzantinischen Kunstgeschichte, 2020
The city of Olba has been inhabited by many diverse cultures throughout time. The continuous exca... more The city of Olba has been inhabited by many diverse cultures throughout time. The continuous excavations in the city since 2010 reveal that the history of the city dates back much further than has been previously assumed. According to recent data, the ceramic finds from the Early Bronze Age, including the seal belonging to the Babylonians, which is the most significant one for cultures of the Iron Age, as well as the coins that are important for the settlement between Persian and Macedonian kingdoms, are concrete evidence of the rich cultural identity in the city. Apart from these small finds, traces of the cultural identities of the Hellenistic and Roman periods can be deduced from the many monumental structures in the city. One of the most important cultural processes for the city of Olba, which underwent a process of Hellenization and Romanization, is that of Christianization, as underlined also by this contribution. Christianity, which emerged in Palaestina in the 1st century AC, transformed the Roman state, a pagan society, in cultural and artistic ways. One of the regions in which the new belief system most rapidly spread is Cilicia and Isauria, where the city of Olba is located. The city of Olba is one of the most important representatives of the new religion with its many Christian shrines. Until now, ten Christian sanctuaries have been identified in the city. The most well-known structure is the Olba Monastery, where archaeological excavations have been carried out since 2011. The monastery presents many architectural similarities with other Early Christian structures in Cilicia and Isauria. When the archaeological finds from the excavations are compared with those used in similar structures, especially artefacts with architectural and liturgical function, a common architectural perception in the structures emerges. Other churches identified in the city, primarily the monastery, indicate the importance of small mountain towns such as Olba in Late Antiquity. The data acquired from both the written sources and archaeological excavations strengthens the perception that there is a remarkable Christian population living in the city. In light of this data, it is clear that Olba represents a significant Christian cultural identity in the Early Christian Period.
Regarding political and religious developments, 5th century is chaotic for the Roman Empire. Afte... more Regarding political and religious developments, 5th century is chaotic for the Roman Empire. After the death of Theodosius II. in 450 AD, Marcianus (450-457) took over the control and the first religious event of his time is the council of Chalcedon Chalchedon Consular gathering. With the prevail of the Dual Nature Doctrin (diophysist) in the counsil, struggle between the church and the state turned into a different phase. In this turbulent period, after the Marcianus, Leo (457-474) succeded to the throne. In Leo’s time, the influence of Isaurians who were known as a rebellious community in Constantinople started to appear. When Zeno of Isaurian (474-491) married the daughter of Leo and ascended the throne, the Isaurian influence became more apperent.In this paper it is argued that the architectural aspect and economic condition improved in Isauria through the construction activities in the reign of Zeno. The aim of the study is to examine the construction projects and financial support of Zeno in the region. In this context, it is evaluated that Olba Monastery at which excavations started in 2011 is one of the Project in Zeno building programme. Similarity between the churches and monastery buildings -which are thought to be constructed in Zeno’s time in Cilicia and Isauria regions- and Olba Monastery, in terms of plan, architectural plastic and ornaments is concrete proof of this idea.
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Papers by Yavuz Yeğin
anhand ähnlicher Exemplare aus verschiedenen Museen bekräftigen. Leider befinden sich in den Museen der Türkei viele falsch benannte und interpretierte Stücke. Unser Ziel ist die Erweckung der Aufmerksamkeit auf die in den Museen falsch interpretierte Funden.
Bronze Age, including the seal belonging to the Babylonians, which is the most significant one for cultures of the Iron Age, as well as the coins that are important for the settlement between Persian and Macedonian kingdoms, are concrete evidence of the rich cultural identity in the
city. Apart from these small finds, traces of the cultural identities of the Hellenistic and Roman periods can be deduced from the many monumental structures in the city. One of the most important cultural processes for the city of Olba, which underwent a process of Hellenization and Romanization, is that of Christianization, as underlined also by this contribution. Christianity, which emerged in Palaestina in the 1st century AC, transformed the Roman state, a pagan society, in cultural and artistic ways. One of the regions in which the new belief system most rapidly spread is Cilicia and Isauria, where the city of Olba is located. The city of Olba is one of the most important representatives of the new religion with its many Christian shrines. Until now, ten Christian sanctuaries have been identified in the city. The most well-known structure is the Olba Monastery, where archaeological excavations have been carried out since 2011. The monastery presents many architectural similarities with other Early Christian structures in Cilicia and Isauria. When the archaeological finds from the excavations are compared with
those used in similar structures, especially artefacts with architectural and liturgical function, a common architectural perception in the structures emerges. Other churches identified in the city, primarily the monastery, indicate the importance of small mountain towns such as Olba in Late Antiquity. The data acquired from both the written sources and archaeological excavations strengthens the perception that there is a remarkable Christian population living in the city. In light of this data, it is clear that Olba represents a significant Christian cultural identity in the
Early Christian Period.
rebellious community in Constantinople started to appear. When Zeno of Isaurian (474-491) married the daughter of Leo and ascended the throne, the Isaurian influence became more apperent.In this paper it is argued that the architectural aspect and economic condition improved in Isauria through the construction activities in the reign of Zeno. The aim of the study is to examine the construction projects and financial support of Zeno in the region. In this context, it is evaluated that Olba Monastery at which excavations started in 2011 is one of the Project in Zeno building
programme. Similarity between the churches and monastery buildings -which are thought to be constructed in Zeno’s time in Cilicia and Isauria regions- and Olba Monastery, in terms of plan, architectural plastic and ornaments is concrete proof of this idea.
Book Reviews by Yavuz Yeğin
anhand ähnlicher Exemplare aus verschiedenen Museen bekräftigen. Leider befinden sich in den Museen der Türkei viele falsch benannte und interpretierte Stücke. Unser Ziel ist die Erweckung der Aufmerksamkeit auf die in den Museen falsch interpretierte Funden.
Bronze Age, including the seal belonging to the Babylonians, which is the most significant one for cultures of the Iron Age, as well as the coins that are important for the settlement between Persian and Macedonian kingdoms, are concrete evidence of the rich cultural identity in the
city. Apart from these small finds, traces of the cultural identities of the Hellenistic and Roman periods can be deduced from the many monumental structures in the city. One of the most important cultural processes for the city of Olba, which underwent a process of Hellenization and Romanization, is that of Christianization, as underlined also by this contribution. Christianity, which emerged in Palaestina in the 1st century AC, transformed the Roman state, a pagan society, in cultural and artistic ways. One of the regions in which the new belief system most rapidly spread is Cilicia and Isauria, where the city of Olba is located. The city of Olba is one of the most important representatives of the new religion with its many Christian shrines. Until now, ten Christian sanctuaries have been identified in the city. The most well-known structure is the Olba Monastery, where archaeological excavations have been carried out since 2011. The monastery presents many architectural similarities with other Early Christian structures in Cilicia and Isauria. When the archaeological finds from the excavations are compared with
those used in similar structures, especially artefacts with architectural and liturgical function, a common architectural perception in the structures emerges. Other churches identified in the city, primarily the monastery, indicate the importance of small mountain towns such as Olba in Late Antiquity. The data acquired from both the written sources and archaeological excavations strengthens the perception that there is a remarkable Christian population living in the city. In light of this data, it is clear that Olba represents a significant Christian cultural identity in the
Early Christian Period.
rebellious community in Constantinople started to appear. When Zeno of Isaurian (474-491) married the daughter of Leo and ascended the throne, the Isaurian influence became more apperent.In this paper it is argued that the architectural aspect and economic condition improved in Isauria through the construction activities in the reign of Zeno. The aim of the study is to examine the construction projects and financial support of Zeno in the region. In this context, it is evaluated that Olba Monastery at which excavations started in 2011 is one of the Project in Zeno building
programme. Similarity between the churches and monastery buildings -which are thought to be constructed in Zeno’s time in Cilicia and Isauria regions- and Olba Monastery, in terms of plan, architectural plastic and ornaments is concrete proof of this idea.