To My Family and Uğraş Uzun - Bilkent University
To My Family and Uğraş Uzun - Bilkent University
To My Family and Uğraş Uzun - Bilkent University
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about the identification <strong>and</strong> symbolism of the figure types on the columnar<br />
sarcophagi.<br />
Considering these benefits, this study aims to present the Antakya<br />
Sarcophagus in its entirety. The emphasis in this presentation is given to the<br />
figured <strong>and</strong> architectural decoration; the contents of the sarcophagus were studied<br />
only when relevant. The reason for such an emphasis is that, it is the figured<br />
decoration that creates the most discussion about the identification of these<br />
figures <strong>and</strong> their prototypes, <strong>and</strong> it is where the “message” related to the afterlife<br />
is communicated to people. On the other h<strong>and</strong>, the architectural decoration is vital<br />
for the dating of the sarcophagus, <strong>and</strong> the related controversy about the<br />
chronology of columnar sarcophagi.<br />
The organisation of the text is as follows: The second chapter presents<br />
previous studies about Roman sarcophagi in general. In the third chapter,<br />
information about Docimeum marble <strong>and</strong> the Docimeum sarcophagi is presented<br />
so as to identify the marble <strong>and</strong> type of the Antakya sarcophagus. This chapter is<br />
also where different suggestions about the transportation routes of Docimeum<br />
marble <strong>and</strong> the issues about the prototypes of the form of the columnar<br />
sarcophagi are presented. The fourth chapter is devoted to the description of the<br />
Antakya Sarcophagus; its findspot, contents, dimensions, architectural <strong>and</strong><br />
figured decoration. Peculiarities of the decoration <strong>and</strong> the composition are<br />
pointed out here. The fifth chapter discusses various issues about the<br />
composition <strong>and</strong> the figured decoration of the Antakya Sarcophagus. The aim of<br />
this chapter is to identify the figures on the sarcophagus by referring to the<br />
comparable figures on other sarcophagi, <strong>and</strong> discuss the symbolism<br />
communicated by these figures. Finally, in the sixth chapter, a date for the<br />
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