The altars of Patara

Within the scope of the doctoral thesis titled Patara Altars, a total of 183 portable altars unearthed in different areas of the city were examined. These are examples that vary in basic features such as form, type, size and functionality. The altars, which are basically considered in two main categories as large and small altars, are divided into subheadings that allow for more detailed research. Large altars were evaluated in two groups: cylindrical and rectangular prism shaped. Likewise, small altars are divided into two groups. Choosing this method in the study helped determine the periodic density of altar forms. It has been determined that large altars with cylindrical forms have been seen in Patara since the 2nd century BC, while large altars with rectangular forms have been used in the city since the 1st century AD. The earliest examples of small votive altars date back to the early 2nd century BC. The period in which these examples are most frequently encountered in Lycia and Patara is the Roman Imperial Period. Altars are divided into two, according to their functional characteristics and purposes of use, as sepulchral altars or religious (sacral) altars. This basic distinction is one of the most determining factors on the typology, form, dimensions, iconography and style features of the altars. It has been determined that most of the large cylindrical and rectangular prism shaped altars in Patara are grave altars. All of the examples examined under the title of small altars are votive altars that reflect personal belief traditions. Garlanded grave altars, which are placed for large cylindrical altars, point to a regional understanding of art with their style and form features. The reliefs and figurative expressions seen on Patara altars contributed to a better understanding of the concept of offering and altar from an iconographic perspective. It has been determined that some of the altars found in the city were imported. The existence of examples with this feature is important in terms of determining the commercial and cultural relations of Patara with Rhodes and Caria Region, especially the altars, since the Hellenistic Period. The numerical density of the altars in the city has led to the necessity of questioning the possible workshops in Patara and its surroundings. Studies on this subject have revealed that there must be masters who know and implement the common art organizations of the Pamfilya and Lycia Regions. The possibility that all of the altars, statue bases and honorary inscriptions seen in Patara were produced in the same workshop or workshops indicates production in the immediate vicinity. Keywords: Patara, Archaeology, Altars, Typology, Lycia.