INTERNATIONAL YOUNG SCHOLARS CONFERENCE I: MEDITERRANEAN ANATOLIA November 4 – 7, 2009 Abstract Submission Form (Deadline for submission: June 15, 2009) 1. Title of paper : Rough Cilicia rock-cut tombs and necropolis: a preliminary survey 2. Name, affiliation and contact details : Veronica Iacomi, Università di Roma “Sapienza” (Italy) Via di Acilia 221 T3 D7, 00125 Roma (Italy) +39. 3477600374
[email protected] 3. Abstract : The aim of this paper is to present preliminary considerations on the characteristics and distribution pattern of some necropolis in Rough Cilicia, with particular regard to rock cut tombs. Such monuments, which are commonly dated from the late Hellenistic to the early Byzantine period, in several sites are the most striking evidences for the existence of urban settlements which, with few exceptions, have been poorly investigated so far and are often in a bad state of preservation. In this perspective an analysis of the areal distribution of necropolis and, within them, of rock-cut tombs may result very useful in the definition of the settlement patterns of the region. In addition to this topographical analysis, a particular attention will be paid also on the ideological aspects of the funerary monuments: the position of the tombs inside the necropolis, the presence of significant means of distinctions (funerary rites and burial typologies, symbols and reliefs, architectural decoration, inscriptions), the spatial relations necropolis/settlement and necropolis/environment are only the most important features in this respect. A brief account will be given also on the funerary inscriptions and the information they provide concerning the social status of the dead, the religious and civic value of the tomb in the Cilician society of the time, the local onomastic traditions. All these elements will contribute to outline a better definition of chronologies, whereas the lack of systematic excavations does not allow further detailed hypothesis. Finally the case-study of the necropolis at Direvli, in western Rough Cilicia (modern Doğanca) will be presented: here all the above mentioned aspects– typology of tombs, use of means of distinction, funerary inscriptions and reliefs – strongly contribute to a better knowledge of the status of this city’s inhabitants in early Roman times and, as a consequence, may be very helpful in understanding the social organisation of this area of ancient Cilicia.
