Keywords
Cilicia Pedias
Roman Stoa-Porticus
Rural Calendar Mosaics
Zodiac Mosaics
Greek-Latin Inscriptions
How to Cite
Abstract
Epiphaneia, located in the Erzin district of Hatay, is situated on the Issos Plain in Cilicia Pedias. Excavations have uncovered well-preserved Roman and Byzantine mosaics, among which the Calendar Mosaic with Rural Activities and Zodiac Imagery in the stoa is particularly noteworthy. Approximately 70 m in length, the mosaic depicts the twelve months through scenes of rural activities and zodiac representations. Its panels contain bilingual Greek and Latin inscriptions, while honorific inscriptions appear at the beginning of the composition. The mosaic is a unique example combining the agricultural calendar with zodiac iconography through poetic expression. Composed of monumental panels, its technical craftsmanship, rich variety of tesserae colors, and geometric-figurative composition place it among the distinguished works of Late Antiquity. During the 2025 excavation season, the eleventh panel, representing September through scenes of grape treading and wine production, was uncovered. This panel is accompanied by an inscription identifying the Macedonian month "ΓΟΡΠΙΕΩΣ" (September), together with inscriptions referring to Hermes and Virgo of the Roman zodiac. This study examines the agricultural activities of the Roman Period, calendar personifications, astrological symbolism, construction and honorific inscriptions, and the concept of the euergetes, offering new perspectives on cultural interactions in Late Antiquity through an analysis of the mosaic's bilingual inscriptions and artistic style.
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