Citation
Christopher Ratté and Peter D. De Staebler (eds.). Aphrodisias V. The Aphrodisias Regional Survey (Verlag Philipp von Zabern: Darmstadt/Mainz, 2012). <http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/92784>
Description
Local Name: Aphrodisias, West Necropolis
Local Information: Cihat Çoban's back yard, Geyre
Latitude: 37.42.38.7
Longitude: 28.42.46.7
Elevation: 512m
Axis: S
Dimensions: W: 10.20, pres D: 6.80
Description: The rectangular platform is oriented toward the south. A broad staircase extends across the full width of the south side of the structure; all three levels of well cut ashlar blocks are preserved to the east, two across the center, and only the lowest to the west. The remaining sides appear to have been built in petit appareil masonry with the side walls rising directly from the foundations. A large threshold block at the height of the fourth stair, parallel to the southern edge and significantly off center to the east, a finely ornamented cornice, and the top of a white marble fluted column hint at the monumental superstructure. The central area of the platform is covered in a finely mortared rubble surface at the height of the third stair into which are sunk a series of burial cists (L: approx. 2.10, W: 0.75, pres. D:0.65). Three are seen in the northwest corner, parallel to the western side, and two are round front and center, parallel to the south side. Found during the cleaning in the third cist from the west were bones and an oil lamp (inv.2007-041) indicating that some of the burials may remain intact.