This Research Master Thesis focusses on the rich epigraphic corpus in the third- and fourth-century Aphrodisias. By examining the Aphrodisian corpus of inscriptions, this Thesis aims to explore how...Show moreThis Research Master Thesis focusses on the rich epigraphic corpus in the third- and fourth-century Aphrodisias. By examining the Aphrodisian corpus of inscriptions, this Thesis aims to explore how several elements, crucial to civic identity in the Principate, were used and adapted by different parties in Aphrodisias in the third- and fourth-century changing political and ideological landscape to position themselves within the city, within the surrounding area, and within the Empire. I attempt to consider external elements of inscriptions when offering interpretations. The Thesis shall present most of its studies in the form of case study. Chapter 1 focusses on the elements the Aphrodisian elite applied to represent their identity, and how they selected to represent themselves in such ways according to the context. It aims to show that the Aphrodisians inherited traditional ideas of the civic elite, but religious affiliations gradually became dominant. Chapter 2 offers a case study on the ‘Archival Wall’, one of the best examples of civic self-representation in the city. Regarding the Wall as consciously fabricated lieu de mémoire, the chapter argues that the city, as a whole, defined itself by the concept of liberty, the competition with the famous Asian cities, and the continuous friendship with Rome. The key question is why the Aphrodisians chose these documents in this specific time to set up a Wall. Chapter 3 examines how Aphrodisias and Aphrodisians found and expressed their new role when the city was provincialised.Show less
