Lot 2810
A Lengthily Inscribed Funerary Plaque, in Marble. AD. Roman Asia Minor, 4th-5th century AD. The plaque carved from a block of quality white-creme marble of moderately large grain. It is entirely covered by a neatly carved seven line inscription in Greek, stating: "Tomb of the blessed and great Doxasia, daughter of Dora, these resting bones in soul, and in god and the mystery of death, and in the hour of judgement, that no one will remove from here, neither the remnents, nor would he separate the bones from me." From a very sheltered monument, as the marble shows only modest weathering. Overall, crisp and easily readable. Size: 11-1/4" x 17-7/8"; with custom base. A quality artifact for those collectors of inscribed works. From an Israeli collection. Scarce.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
Although there is no explicit reference to Christianity, the deceased or her family clearly believed in an afterlife and a final judgement. Thus, they would have been participants in a monotheistic mystery religion. Also of note is the absence of a father's name in the inscription. It would appear that the mother, whether widowed or single, would have to have been a woman of some substance and status to afford such a tombstone for her daughter.
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