Research Article

ENGRAVED GEMS FROM THE MYRA AND ANDRIAKE EXCAVATIONS

Number: 53 August 12, 2026
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ENGRAVED GEMS FROM THE MYRA AND ANDRIAKE EXCAVATIONS

Abstract

In this study, nine engraved gems discovered in the tombs and various structures of Myra, one of the prominent cities of the Lycian Region, and its port Andriake were evaluated in terms of technical, stylistic, and iconographic aspects. All currently on display at the Demre Museum of Lycian Civilizations, these gems include examples depicting gods and goddesses, as well as animals and moments from daily life. The representations include Serapis, Ares, Hermes, and Athena, alongside a hound, a bull, and a race scene in a hippodrome. Dating to the Roman Imperial Period, these engraved gems provide important information about the cultural fabric, economic status, sociology, and beliefs of the local population and the city. Furthermore, they offer insights into the selection and use of gemstones, the styles and tools employed, and the iconographic preferences of the Roman Period.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

I hereby declare that this study, titled 'Intaglios from the Myra and Andriake Excavations' and presented as an article derived from my Master's thesis, has been authored by me in accordance with academic rules and ethical guidelines. I certify that all sources utilized have been duly cited in the text and listed in the bibliography.

Thanks

Special acknowledgement is due to Prof. Dr. Nevzat Çevik for his invaluable support and for the permission to study the material.

References

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  2. Bell, S. (2014). Roman Chariot Racing: Charioteers, Factions, Spectators. A Companion to Sport and Spectacle in Greek and Roman Antiquity. Edit. Paul Christesen and Donald G. Kyle. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. 492-504.
  3. Bertolami Fine Art. (2018). Auction 54: Antiquities&Glyptics (London, 9 November 2018). London: Bertolami Fine Art.
  4. Bertolami Fine Art. (2019). Auction 66, Part II: Glyptics. Ancient Jewellery (London 10th July 2019). London: Bertolami Fine Art.
  5. Boardman, J. (1972). Greek Gems and Finger Rings: Early Bronze Age to Late Classical. New York: Harry N. Abrams.
  6. Clerc, G. and Leclant, J. (1994). Lexicon Iconographicum Mythologiae Classicae (LIMC) VII.1. Zürich: Artemis Verlag.
  7. Cravinho, G. (2017). “Roman Engraved Gems in the National Archaeological Museum in Lisbon”. Studies in Ancient Art and Civilization, 21: 173-245.
  8. Cravinho, G. (2018). Roman Gems in the National Soares Dos Reis Museum in Oporto. Studies in Ancient Art and Civilization. Edit. Jaroslav Bodzek. Krakow: Jagiellonian University.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Archaeological Science, Archaeology (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

August 12, 2026

Submission Date

May 1, 2026

Acceptance Date

August 11, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: 53

APA
Talu, S. (2026). ENGRAVED GEMS FROM THE MYRA AND ANDRIAKE EXCAVATIONS. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 53, 769-802. https://doi.org/10.14520/adyusbd.1942269
AMA
1.Talu S. ENGRAVED GEMS FROM THE MYRA AND ANDRIAKE EXCAVATIONS. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi. 2026;(53):769-802. doi:10.14520/adyusbd.1942269
Chicago
Talu, Sema. 2026. “ENGRAVED GEMS FROM THE MYRA AND ANDRIAKE EXCAVATIONS”. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, nos. 53: 769-802. https://doi.org/10.14520/adyusbd.1942269.
EndNote
Talu S (August 1, 2026) ENGRAVED GEMS FROM THE MYRA AND ANDRIAKE EXCAVATIONS. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi 53 769–802.
IEEE
[1]S. Talu, “ENGRAVED GEMS FROM THE MYRA AND ANDRIAKE EXCAVATIONS”, Adıyaman Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, no. 53, pp. 769–802, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.14520/adyusbd.1942269.
ISNAD
Talu, Sema. “ENGRAVED GEMS FROM THE MYRA AND ANDRIAKE EXCAVATIONS”. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi. 53 (August 1, 2026): 769-802. https://doi.org/10.14520/adyusbd.1942269.
JAMA
1.Talu S. ENGRAVED GEMS FROM THE MYRA AND ANDRIAKE EXCAVATIONS. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi. 2026;:769–802.
MLA
Talu, Sema. “ENGRAVED GEMS FROM THE MYRA AND ANDRIAKE EXCAVATIONS”. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, no. 53, Aug. 2026, pp. 769-02, doi:10.14520/adyusbd.1942269.
Vancouver
1.Sema Talu. ENGRAVED GEMS FROM THE MYRA AND ANDRIAKE EXCAVATIONS. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi. 2026 Aug. 1;(53):769-802. doi:10.14520/adyusbd.1942269