New Inscriptions from Perge 2: The Funerary Inscriptions of the Tomb Buildings Discovered in Parcel 169 of the Western Necropolis

Abstract

This article deals with a second group of funerary inscriptions discovered in the Western Necropolis of Perge during the excavations between 1998 and 2011. The funerary inscriptions in question are located in the excavation site known as Parcel 169. This parcel consists of burial complex M9, tomb building M3 and the burial complex M6 with the burial chamber M6.3. The authors give an architectural description of the monuments with dating suggestions and epigraphic assessments. M9 is the area’s largest, best-preserved, and most monumental burial complex and contains two levels to different periods. It belonged to the local family of the Iulii for over almost a century (from the second half of the 2nd century CE to the second half of the 3rd century CE). The tomb building M3 has a single chamber. Its facade and western side is built of terracotta bricks, while its eastern and southern sides were carved on the natural rock. Inside the tomb are three sarcophagi made of terracotta bricks. Owners of the tomb were Eutychos, his wife and his heirs. The tomb’s architecture points to the 3rd century CE. The tomb complex M6 contains four chambers with the first three constructed with alternating terracotta bricks and mortared rubble stone. M6.3 demonstrates different features from the other burial chambers with its direction, use of limestone blocks for its constructions and its interior design. It belonged to Ophonius Marcianus and was constructed in the 3rd century CE.