The "Temple of Hadrian"
Part 4: Frieze Block D,
the "Theodosius frieze"
The frieze relief on the right wall of the porch interior
As with the other three frieze reliefs (see gallery pages 22-23), the identification of the figures is uncertain. It is thought that the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius I (reigned 379-395 AD) stands in the centre with his left arm raised, and is flanked by members of his family and deities, including Athena or Roma (far left) and Artemis (4th from right).
The emperor takes on the heroic role of Androklos, the legendary founder of Ephesus, and the neo ktistes (new founder) of the temple. To his right is an animal, either meant to represent Androklos' hunting dog or the boar he killed in the foundation myth.
One (not entirely convincing) interpretation of the relief identifies the 13 figures as (left-right):
1 Dea Roma, 2 Selene (Luna), 3 Helios (Sol),
4 Apollo, 5 Artemis, 6 Androklos (or an emperor as Androklos) and his dog, 7 Herakles,
8 Dionysus, 9 Hermes, 10 Aphrodite,
11 Ares, 12 ?, 13 Athena.
This relief is a copy of the original now in the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Selçuk.
Inv. No. 716.
Marble. Height 60.5 cm, width 161 cm,
depth 27-34 cm. |
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Emperor Theodosius I? |
