Author Description

These papers are the fruit of the most recent research at Aphrodisias. Those in the first part focus on different aspects of the theatre complex, from the prehistoric inhabitants of its hill site to its latest decoration in the 6th c. A.D. The remaining papers are concerned with the city's coinage, and with other aspects of its sculpture. The original idea of the school of Aphrodisias is tested in the light of recent discoveries. The work practices of the sculptors are revealed by a body of unfinished statuary from the workshop behind the Odeion. A group of fine shield-portraits from a building near the Sebasteion illustrate both the world of late antique philosophy and the undiminished ability of the city's portrait sculptors in the 5th c. This group also includes a very recently discovered portrait of Pythagoras – it is the first certainly identified sculptured image of the great mystic philosopher. [From the Introduction]