Ursprung, Chronologie und Verbreitung einfacher Grabhäuser aus Bruchsteinmauerwerk im kaiserzeitlichen Kilikien

Abstract

Plain house-shaped tombs built from rubble masonry, besides sarcophagi, dominate the scene in the extensive necropolis of the ancient metropolis of Anazarbos in Cilicia. Starting from these, an overview of the distribution of this grave type in Southern Asia Minor is presented here. It is shown that such monuments were, besides Anazarbos, highly popular mainly in the coastal towns of Cilicia. These grave houses can be mostly dated to the 2^nd–3^rd century C.E.; prior datings to the 1^st century C.E. are not viable. The grave type, which otherwise can be found in larger numbers only in the coastal areas of Pamphylia, Eastern Lycia, Caria and Ionia, does not have direct precedents in Cilicia. An influence from abroad, that is from Rome and its surroundings, indicate not only the similarities in building technique, the concordance in fundamental shape and the correlating chronology but, especially in the absence of local tradition, is seen also in the simplicity of the design, which differs from other sepulchral monuments in Cilicia, and in the conspicuous distribution pattern only in coastal areas and single larger cities. The house-shaped tombs of Cilicia, though, do not present a direct adoption; instead, the buildings were adjusted to local needs.