A Theotokos lamp from Antioch-on-the-Orontes in the Archaeological Museum of Hatay (southeastern Turkey)

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LAFLI E., Buora M.

Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean, vol.28, no.1, pp.161-168, 2019 (Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 28 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2019
  • Doi Number: 10.31338/uw.2083-537x.pam28.1.10
  • Journal Name: Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.161-168
  • Keywords: Antioch-on-the-Orontes, blessing formula, early Byzantine period, Eulogistic oil lamps, Hatay, southeastern Turkey, Theotokos
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Pilgrims returning home during the early Byzantine period carried with them numerous objects with sacred inscriptions. In Jerusalem—and in Syria—terracotta oil lamps were made with a specific formula of blessing mentioning both the Blessed Virgin as Theotokos and a certain John whose identification either with a saint or the manufacturer of these lamps remains unclear. The Archaeological Museum of Hatay in southeastern Turkey holds a lamp of this type, probably dating to the 6th century AD or shortly thereafter.