Sarcophagus types in the ancient world and the Torre-Nova type sarcophagus in the Hierapolis Archaeological museum

This study examines the Torre Nova type sarcophagi dated to the Roman Imperial Period, focusing on an example displayed in the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum. Torre Nova type sarcophagi, dated to the Roman Imperial Period, represent a transition from frieze sarcophagi to columned sarcophagi. In this type of sarcophagi, there are columns at the corners, and frieze bands are placed between the columns. In Anatolia, Torre Nova type sarcophagi were especially produced in the workshops of Dokimeion and Pamphylia, and they were quite widespread in this region. The example displayed in the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum was donated to the museum by a citizen in 2012 from Tekke Neighborhood, Tavas District, Denizli. Although there is no precise information about the location and conditions under which the sarcophagus was found, it is known that the region was part of the ancient Inner Caria during antiquity. It is thought that the sarcophagus was produced in the Dokimeion workshop. The fine crystalline structure of the marble, the Corinthian capital design of the columns, and the style of the friezes reflect the characteristic features of the Dokimeion workshop. However, some details also show stylistic similarities with the Pamphylia workshop. The scenes depicted on the sarcophagus feature Eros figures. The Eros figures, depicted as winged, chubby, and naked, are combined with Komos scenes. Such scenes are among the important examples reflecting the aesthetic understanding and iconographic traditions of the period.