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 and Jorit, Wintjes (eds.) : Beyond All Boundaries: Anatolia in the First Millennium BC. Orbis Biblicus et Orientalis, Vol. 295. Leuven; Paris; Bristol: Peeters Publishers. pp. 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.

• Item Type: Book Section
• 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
• Faculties: Cultural Studies > Department of Ancient and Modern Cultures > Assyriology and Hethitology
• Subjects: 400 Language > 400 Language; 400 Language > 410 Linguistics; 400 Language > 490 Other languages; 900 History and geography > 930 History of ancient world (to ca. 499); 900 History and geography > 950 History of Asia
• Place of Publication: Leuven; Paris; Bristol
• Language: English