Tombstones of the Cemetery at the Basilica of Mangup

Abstract

The basilica located atop Mangup plateau in the south-western highland is one of the Christian monuments of the Crimea which research provided abundant archaeological materials. Especially interesting to historians are the data related to the investigations at the Christian cemetery which developed in different chronological periods within the basilica and around it. Supplementary excavations of the basilica (1967–2005) uncovered a series of carved tombstones, which featured the architectural properties different from early slab covering of the graves. The tombstones in question testify to the flourishing of the art of stone carving in Taurica in the fourteenth and fifteenth century. From their description and analysis, it is possible to draw the conclusions concerning the stone-carving art forms development in the mediaeval Crimea. It has been remarked that the Mangup stone-carvers considered the religion of the persons who lived there and paid especial attention to the decorative design of the monuments. In the making of the tombstones for the Christian cemetery at the basilica, the local stone-carvers applied artistic techniques taken from various styles (Byzantine, Seljuk, North Caucasus), which resulted in the appearance of specific “Mangup” style of architectural ornamentation. The local craftsmen re-worked decorative and carving techniques borrowed from foreign stone-carvers. The local products featured brevity and restrained manner.