A NEW ROMAN IMPERIAL PORTRAIT FROM SYEDRA
A NEW ROMAN IMPERIAL PORTRAIT FROM SYEDRA

Summary/Abstract: This study examines the marble portrait head of a man unearthed during excavations in the ancient city of Syedra, located in the Alanya district of Antalya in Türkiye. During the excavations of filled soil on the south wall of the Heroon, a well-preserved portrait head was found in 2023. Archaeological studies indicate that Syedra has been inhabited since the 9th century BC despite those researches about the city are still insufficient. Therefore, the dating and identification of the portrait found in the city have critical importance. The portrait under examination spans a significant historical period, encompassing the reigns of Roman emperors from Tiberius (14 – 37 AD) to Nero (54 – 68 AD). However, a detailed analysis of the work suggests that the portrait may have produced during period of Nero’s reign. This dating is important as fewer portraits have been found in Cilicia compared to other parts of Asia Minor in the archaeological excavations carried out so far, and none of them have been dated to the Neronian period. The current study introduces this portrait, offering a comprehensive analysis on its history, identity, and historical significance.

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