Linguistic and Archaeological Criteria for Dating Lycian Tombs and Tomb Inscriptions

Christiansen, Birgit (2021): Linguistic and Archaeological Criteria for Dating Lycian Tombs and Tomb Inscriptions. A critical re-evaluation of former approaches. In: Payne, Annick; Velhartická, Šárka und Jorit, Wintjes (Hrsg.): Beyond All Boundaries: Anatolia in the First Millennium BC. Orbis Biblicus et Orientalis, Bd. 295. Leuven; Paris; Bristol: Peeters Publishers. S. 119-147

Abstract

The aim of the present paper is to re-examine some linguistic and archaeological criteria for the dating of Lycian inscriptions and Lycian tombs that have been suggested in previous studies. The analysis is based on a palaeographic survey, the results of which were presented in an earlier paper (Christiansen in press). As linguistic criteria, the accusative ending -ã and -u and the so-called atli ehbi formula are reviewed. In addition, it will be asked to what extent the design of the burial chambers can be used for the dating of Lycian inscriptions. As a result of the study, it will be shown that none of the criteria examined allows reliable dating. In particular, the occurrence of the atli ehbi formula and the chamber design are not very informative for the dating of the inscriptions. The accusative ending -u is more revealing. But since it is already attested in inscriptions from the first half of the 4 th century, and the -ã accusative remained in use in the subsequent period, it is not possible to determine from the accusative form alone whether an inscription dates from the time before the middle of the 4 th century or the following period. At best, the various criteria can be used in combination with other dating criteria. It should be noted, however, that apart from the text-internal dating information, all criteria remain uncertain.

• Dokumententyp: Buchbeitrag
• Keywords: Lycian inscriptions; tombs; palaeographic, linguistic, and archaeological dating criteria; atli ehbi formula; accusative forms ending in -ã and -u; chamber design of Lycian rock-cut tombs; isbazi/ispazi; TL 75; TL 84; TL 128
• Fakultät: Kulturwissenschaften > Department für Kulturwissenschaften und Altertumskunde > Assyriologie und Hethitologie
• Themengebiete: 400 Sprache > 400 Sprache ; 400 Sprache > 410 Linguistik ; 400 Sprache > 490 Andere Sprachen ; 900 Geschichte und Geografie > 930 Geschichte des Altertums (bis ca. 499), Archäologie ; 900 Geschichte und Geografie > 950 Geschichte Asiens
• Ort: Leuven; Paris; Bristol
• Sprache: Englisch