For further details about Saint John's Basilica, Selçuk,
including opening times, see gallery page 5. |
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The marble block appears to be one of many parts of ancient monuments from Ephesus used to construct later buildings.
The bas relief on the side of the block is divided into three vertical rows: in the top row appears to be a herm (see Pergamon gallery 2, page 15 for more about herms); the middle row has part of a row of spears and other weapons, including a large oval shield; and the lower row has a row of tridents, a short sword and other weapons.
In antiquity herms were often placed in stadiums and other buildings connected with sport, such as gymnasia and public baths. During the Roman period gladiatorial games in Ephesus took place in the large stadium at the northeast of the city (see Ephesus gallery page 61). This block may have come from the stadium or from one of the many monuments and tombs of gladiators around Ephesus. |
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