Additional Remarks on the Sarcophagus of Aurelia Botiane Demetria

Abstract

Regarding the article on the sarcophagus of Aurelia Botiane Demetria in Gephyra 30 (2025) 177-183, some supplementary remarks are made. It belongs to the "normal type" of architectural sarcophagi and was made around 220 AD. The portrait was carved from a boss at an unknown time after Demetria's death. It is the only known example where the architectural design does not continue on all four sides, but rather the back is occupied by a figurative frieze. This peculiarity is due to Demetria's express wish. Although it was found in Perge, it was certainly not crafted there in a "branch workshop" by sculptors from Dokimeion from a "blank" or a semi-finished piece. Rather, it was manufactured in one of the workshops in or near Dokimeion and then transported to Perge. The inscription on the front of the mattress cannot be divided into two phases; all four lines were entered uniformly at Demetria's behest. The sarcophagus stood protected in a family tomb and was probably repeatedly used for the burials of descendants, who, however, did not document this. In the 4th or 5th century, perhaps 150, possibly even 250 years after its manufacture, Christian descendants of Demetria reused it and had the inscription with crosses added on the left side of the lid. The entire figurative representation, the original inscription, and the portrait of Demetria were left untouched out of piety and admiration of the piece as a work of art. Similar practices could be suspected in numerous cases of sarcophagi in Asia Minor. In this instance, it is confirmed by the inscriptions.

Keywords

• Roman-imperial sarcophagi
• Asia Minor
• Dokimeion
• inscriptions
• re-use in early Christian times

Ergänzende Bemerkungen zum Sarkophag der Aurelia Botiane Demetria

Abstract

Regarding the article on the sarcophagus of Aurelia Botiane Demetria in Gephyra 30 (2025) 177-183, some supplementary remarks are made. It belongs to the "normal type" of architectural sarcophagi and was made around 220 AD. The portrait was carved from a boss at an unknown time after Demetria's death. It is the only known example where the architectural design does not continue on all four sides, but rather the back is occupied by a figurative frieze. This peculiarity is due to Demetria's express wish. Although it was found in Perge, it was certainly not crafted there in a "branch workshop" by sculptors from Dokimeion from a "blank" or a semi-finished piece. Rather, it was manufactured in one of the workshops in or near Dokimeion and then transported to Perge. The inscription on the front of the mattress cannot be divided into two phases; all four lines were entered uniformly at Demetria's behest. The sarcophagus stood protected in a family tomb and was probably repeatedly used for the burials of descendants, who, however, did not document this. In the 4th or 5th century, perhaps 150, possibly even 250 years after its manufacture, Christian descendants of Demetria reused it and had the inscription with crosses added on the left side of the lid. The entire figurative representation, the original inscription, and the portrait of Demetria were left untouched out of piety and admiration of the piece as a work of art. Similar practices could be suspected in numerous cases of sarcophagi in Asia Minor. In this instance, it is confirmed by the inscriptions.

Keywords

• Sarkophage aus der römischen Kaiserzeit
• Asia Minor
• Dokimeion
• Inschriften
• Wiederverwendung in frühchristlicher Zeit

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