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ARTEFACT IDENTIFIERS

Artefact ID1311
TM IDTM 105436
Findspot (DEChriM ID)1   (Dūš)
ClassTextual
MaterialMetal
Writing mediumGraffito, Inscription
Text contentSubliterary
LanguageGreek
Description

SEG XLII 1563: Reused bust of Sarapis.

Gold bust of Sarapis: originally a dedication from ca. 200 AD but re-used and inscribed on the back with the name Bassos, crosses, ΧΟΓ, ΦΟΚ, Eumathes, and a series of magic (or Christian) graffiti. 

Reddé notes, after a suggestion by J. Bousquet, that ΧΟΓ might be rather read ΧΘΓ (Χριστὸς Θεὸς γεννᾷ ?; cf. SEG 42 1828, equivalent of the Christian cryptogram ΧΜΓ). The figure of Sarapis would have been taken over with a Christian meaning. The beginning of l. 2, with the crosses, could also be some kind of Christological formula and the central monogram could be interpreted as a chrism.

Selection criteriaChristian terms/formulas/concepts, Christian symbols/gestures/isopsephy
Date from250
Date to425
Dating criteria

The bust itself is dated to late 2nd or early 3rd c. but the Christian reuse is likely to have happened during 4th c.

Absolute/relative dateRelative date
Archaeological context

Part of the "Trésor de Douch" found in the room 2 of the "fort", in a globular vase whose form is known for 4th/5th c. (Reddé 1992: 1).

Accession number

Location unknown

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Editio princeps

• Reddé, Michel. 1992. Reddé, Douch IV. Le trésor. Inventaire des objets et essai d'interprétation. DFIFAO 28. Cairo, 29-30, with. fig. 57-59.

Additional bibliography

• Pleket, H.W., Stroud, R.S. and Strubbe, J.H.M., “SEG 42-1563. Kargeh Oasis. Douch. A treasure.” In Supplementum Epigraphicum Graecum, Current editors: A. T. E. N. Chaniotis Corsten Stavrianopolou Papazarkadas. Consulted online on 16 July 2021.

• Sève, M. 1994. "Bulletin épigraphique" in Revue des Etudes Grecques vol. 107 (511/513), no. 155. 

Authors
Valérie Schram, 2021
Suggested citation
Valérie Schram, 2021, "Artefact ID 1311", 4CARE database - Fourth-Century Christian Archaeological Record of Egypt, https://4care-skos.mf.no/artefacts/1311
External links
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