Dokimenische Säulensarkophage

Volker Michael Strocka

The representative type of columnar sarcophagi in the Roman Empire came from Docimium, from workshops near its marble quarries. From there, they were distributed throughout Asia Minor, and in lesser numbers also exported to the Levant and to Italy. This study looks at the chronology and typology of columned sarcophagi from Docimium, beginning with an overview of the stone quarries of Docimium, looking at their products, transport routes, and trade processes. The second chapter examines a sarcophagus discovered in 1997 in the countryside surrounding ancient Tralleis (modern Aydın). Based on an associated inscription, it can be dated to 173 AD, making it the only columned sarcophagus dated by non-stylistic means. The third chapter explains the characteristics of columnar sarcophagi of the main type. In the fourth chapter, the chronology of sarcophagus types is checked and refined. The...