The Garland Sarcophagus in Turkey
The Garland Sarcophagus in Turkey
The 2nd century approximately 150-180 AD. reached its peak during the reign of Emperor Trajan Ptolemy a Greek astronomer of the 2nd century compiled treatises on astronomy and geography which formed the basis of later knowledge. The marble sarcophagus a Garland Sarcophagus from ancient Rome has a lid resembling a temple roof and is intricately carved on all four sides It features a central theatrical mask and a bust of the tomb's occupant. Garland motifs originally used to decorate altars and tombs were later adopted for sarcophagi when burial in the earth became more popular than cremation. The high-relief carving depicts a garland of leaves and fruit held by the god Eros. It is made of marble from the Dokimeion quarry in Phrygia
Constructed from marble from the Dokimeion quarry in Phrygia this sarcophagus is considered one of the best-preserved examples ever found. Excavations at the ancient city of Stratonicia in southwestern Turkey uncovered this elaborately carved stone sarcophagus considered one of the best-preserved sarcophagi ever discovered in the city. The bas-relief garland motifs found on the Garland Sarcophagus a Roman sarcophagus known as the "Alexander's Coffin" are believed to be those of Abdalonymus king of Sidon. A major tragedy of the 2nd century is depicted on the lid of the coffin marked by bas-relief carvings of garlands. The Romans had to use heavy military force to suppress the rebellion.
Sidamara sarcophagi are characterized by their intricate decoration and distinct architectural structure Famous sarcophagi feature carvings depicting battles and hunting scenes between Alexander the Great and the Persians a stark contrast to the image of the so-called "Alexander's Coffin" discovered near Sidon and now on display in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum It is generally believed to be the coffin of Abdalonymus depicted hunting alongside Alexander's generals. However this particular sarcophagus is now thought to belong to Maceus an Achaemenid Persian nobleman.
