Description: A paving block of the Odeon stage. The block (w: 0.69 × h: 0.24) may originally have been rectangular, but the top left corner is now formed by a separate block (w: 0.70 × h: 0.33), which appears to be a subsequent insertion, since it was held in place by metal clamps: these have since been lost, but the grooves for them remain. Since the upper edge of the block forms part of the rim of the stage, it appears that the repair, and others like it, was necessary to improve the appearance of that rim, which may have become worn. Subsequent to the repair, the rim was used for an inscription in the middle or later fifth century (2.19).
Text: The text was inscribed, using a metal tool, after the insertion had been made, since the letters in line 1 allow for interruption by one of the clamps. This part of the surface was later scratched, apparently in preparation for a plaster or other coating.
Letters: The letters are thinly cut, and vary in size (av. 0.05); lunate sigma and epsilon, semi-cursive mu, alpha with dropped bar.
Date: First to fourth centuries CE (lettering, content)
Findspot: Aphrodisias: Bouleuterion/Odeon, Stage, paving at the front edge.
Original location: Bouleuterion/Odeon, Stage
Last recorded location: Findspot (1985)
Apparatus
2: Perhaps εὐχή
4: τήξας Jones, 2013The Π is roughly cut, Jones suggested a reference to a performer who 'has melted the marble' by his powerful performance;
Roueché reads the second upright as a deliberate line, rather than a casual scratch.
English translation
Translation source: Jones, 2013
Power to Ourania the great fortune of your servant! Power to Chrysomallos, he who melted the marble!
English translation
Translation source: Reynolds, 2008b
Strength to Ourania the mighty, fortune of your servant! (or) Strength to Ourania, the mighty fortune of your servant! Strength to Chrysomallos, who fixed the marble!
English translation
Translation source: Roueché, PPA
Power to Ourania the great, fortune of your servant! Power to Chrysomallos, who fixed the marble!
Bibliography
Transcription: New York University expedition in 1966 Odeon 1
Publication: Roueché, PPA 12 , whence PHI PPAphr 12,; IAph2007 2.2; Reynolds, 2008b 7, whence SEG 58.1163; Jones, 2013 169-171, whence SEG 63.856
Images
Fig. 1. Face (E. Alföldi-Rosenbaum, 1966)
Fig. 2. Face (M. Roueché, 1985)