Seriality and Individualization: Carving the Fluted Sarcophagi from Hierapolis of Phrygia

Abstract

Several marble sarcophagi, including both plain or fluted coffins and chests decorated with garlands, friezes, and elaborate compositions framed by columns and covered with roof-shaped or kline lids, are attested in the Roman burial grounds at Hierapolis in Phrygia (Turkey). Because of their repetitive, standardized pattern, fluted sarcophagi have been dismissed by scholars as the formulaic, more affordable output of local workshops. Contrary to the apparent simplicity, however, each item is highly individual with respect to the morphology of its mouldings and flutes, surface treatment, and decorative details. The majority of the pieces from the North Necropolis seem to have been carved in response to individual requirements. While rationalized modes of production likely dominated the economic landscape of the Roman sarcophagus industry, customers could exercise a significant degree of control over the pieces carved by local quarry-based workshops. Exploration of these processes, operational flows, and histories may yield new perspectives on the social and economic relationships that underpinned the production and trade of Roman sarcophagi.