Anemurium Vaulted Tomb B I 16 in the Light of New Excavations

Abstract

Anemurium was one of the most important harbor cities in the west of the Rough Cilicia in Antiquity. The ruins of the ancient settlement are located within the boundaries of the Ören Neighborhood of Anamur District, Mersin Province. Both historical sources and contemporary research indicate that Anemurium had a strategic importance for both Cilicia and Anatolia during the Roman Age. Excavations and research in the city began in 1962 and continued intermittently until 1987 for short periods. From 1987 until 2016, no scientific archaeological excavation, research, or restoration work was carried out. After this long period, we resumed work in the city in 2016.

Undoubtedly, one of the most significant remnants that have survived from the ancient city of Anemurium to the present day is the numerous examples of tombs in the Necropolis area. Anemurium Necropolis contains the best preserved grave samples among the Roman cemeteries in Anatolia. Especially during the intensive reconstruction activities in the 2nd-3rd centuries AD, nearly 350 tombs of different sizes and types were built. Among these tombs, the Vaulted Tomb No. B I 16 has a special place and importance compared to the other examples. The tomb in question provides valuable information about the beliefs of the period in which it was built, both in terms of providing evidence of more than one construction phase and with its decorations such as frescoes and mosaics. In particular, alongside frescoes depicting deities and personifications of seasons inside the tombs, frescoes reflecting secular life and worldly celebrations have been observed. Moreover, clues indicating that rituals were performed within the family and architectural additions were made for this purpose can also be found in the tombs.

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The Author(s) declare(s) that there is no conflict of interest.