Description: Six fragments of four white marble frieze blocks, length a, 0.965, b 0.78, c. (two fragments) 1.12, d 1.27 - total approximately 4.14. The first block carries Θ, the second Η, the third Ζ, the fourth ζ. The blocks which make up the cornice, of the Doric order, above 8.1, the inscription of Zoilos, across the back of the Theatre stage. The blocks have simple moulding above, supporting water spouts in the form of lions' heads; the underside has a decoration of mutules.

Text: Inscribed in two lines; height of inscribed area 0.12.

Letters: 0.032-0.035; moderately large serifs; the two dotted letters come from the edge of blocks and have been damaged by chipping. Diairesis: on final A in γερουσία, ἀρχιερέα, ἱερέα, διὰ; on Ι in ἱερέα; on first Ε in ἀρχιερέα.

Date: 139-161 A.D. (prosopography)

Findspot: Aphrodisias: Theatre: stage area

Original location: Theatre: stage, proskeneion frieze.

Last recorded location: Findspot, restored south of 8.23.

Translation

The Council and the People and the Gerousia and the Young Men honoured Tiberius Claudius Zelos, high-priest and priest for life of the goddess Aphrodite and of the People, founder and benefactor in all things of his fatherland. The overseer was Publius Aelius Kallikrates, the first archon.

Commentary

One of series of adjoining white marble cornice blocks, with moulding and water spouts in the form of lions' heads above, and a decoration of mutules on the underside,which make up the cornice, of the Doric order, above 8.1, the inscription of Zoilos, across the back of the Theatre stage. 8.23, 8.38, 8.39, 8.84, 8.86, 8.116, 8.117, 8.118

Images

Fig. 1. a (M. Roueché, 1973)

Fig. 2. b (M. Roueché, 1973)

Fig. 3. c, first fragment (M. Roueché, 1973)

Fig. 4. c, second fragment (M. Roueché, 1973)

Fig. 5. d (M. Roueché, 1980)

Fig. 6. Assembled in situ (M. Roueché, 1989)