ZWEI NEUE GRABSTEINE ALS BELEGE FÜR DEN LEINENVEREIN (συνεργασία τῶν λινουργῶν) AUS SAITTAI

Authors : Hüseyin Uzunoğlu

Pages : 501-516

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Publication Date : 2019-07-25

Article Type : Research

Abstract :This article presents two new funerary inscriptions which were brought to the Bursa Museum three years ago. Although the find-spots of both are unknown to museum authorities, there can be no doubt in suggesting that they were of Saittai origin not only due to the fact that the professional association of linen workers is attested under the name of συνεργασία τῶν λινουργῶν almost exclusively at Lydian Saittai, but also from their stylistic and typological features. As is clearly seen from the chronological list provided as an appendix, the association of linen workers seems to have played an important role in Saittai from the mid-2nd century A.D. until the mid-3rd century. The first inscription is confidently dated to the year of 192/193 A.D. because of the Sullan Era used in the region. It concerns the honouring by the association of its member Areskon, who had passed away at the age of 25, the son of Iulianus. The second inscription dates from 224/225 A.D. and mentions another member of the association, Aurelius Alexandros who died aged 69. As has been reconfirmed through these inscriptions, the phenomenon of honouring the deceased employing the verb τιμάω, and carving a wreath on the tombstone is particularly prevalent in Lydia
Keywords : Lydia, Saittai, professional associations