A North African Plate Unearthed in the Andriake Excavations

Abstract

Twelve fragments constitute the subject of this article, one of which is part of a body and eleven are parts of borders. Six fragments (figs. 2, 4/a-f, 5) belong to the longer border of a rectangular plate. A corner fragment shows a bearded, nude figure with open arms standing inside a kantharos. Along the border is a running lion figure. The remaining section shows a standing figure (Lazarus) wrapped inside an aedicula with a triangular pediment. Six different fragments (figs. 3/g-l, 6, 7) are distinguished by their clay composition but represent the same decorative motifs. Behind a lion there appears part of a triangular pediment. Additionally, a section of a lion’s mane, the body of a running lion, and the lower part of a kantharos are discernible. A small fragment shows a part of a horse’s head and body along with an inscription. The central decoration must be a depiction of the Dioscuri. These fragments belong to plates manufactured in North Africa. This type is dated between the years AD 360 and 430. However, the dating could be extended to the late 5th century up to early 6th century AD. We can propose a period between the second half of the 4th century and the early 6th century AD.