Newly documented inscriptions unearthed in Akmoneia, an ancient city in the Phrygian region of modern-day western Turkey, are providing a clearer picture of religious practices approximately 2,000 years ago. The findings, detailed in a study by Turkish academics, highlight pre-Christian cults and aspects of daily life in an area historically linked to the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys.
The inscriptions, dating between the first and third centuries A.D., offer the first epigraphic evidence of the cult of Demeter Karpophoros, a goddess associated with fertility and harvests, in Phrygia. While this cult was known elsewhere in Asia Minor, its presence in Phrygia had not been confirmed by written records until this discovery, according to co-author Hüseyin Uzunoğlu, an associate professor at Akdeniz University.
Civic and Personal Devotion
Another inscription revealed that a citizen named Demades commissioned a torch-bearing statue, likely intended to illuminate the city's main street at night. This act of civic piety is noted as a rare addition to the known examples of such monuments, with torch-bearing statues documented at only two other sites. Uzunoğlu described it as "one wealthy citizen literally lighting up his city."
The inscriptions also shed light on the roles of women in ancient society. One monument honored a woman named Mandana as the city's high priestess, with her husband Priscus setting up the inscription. Uzunoğlu noted that the honor appears to be hers alone, suggesting evidence of women holding such positions independently.
Glimpses into Daily Life
Beyond religious and civic practices, the texts offer insights into personal lives. One funerary altar suggests a tomb owner prepared it for himself and his wife on the condition that she remain unmarried after his death. Another funerary stone commemorates two men, likely soldiers, with one epitaph stating that he "fell victim to lawless hands," indicating he was murdered. Uzunoğlu described this as a "rare and human glimpse of military friendship in the epigraphic record."
Collectively, these findings incrementally refine the understanding of how the inhabitants of Akmoneia worshipped, honored one another, and conducted burials. Douglas Estes, an associate professor of religion at New College of Florida who was not involved in the study, noted that while these inscriptions are not directly Christian, they illuminate the religious landscape of Phrygia. This region was significant for the early spread of Christianity.
Estes indicated that archaeological evidence suggests Christianity gained adherents among ordinary people in Phrygia well before Emperor Constantine's reign, characterizing it as a "bottom-up approach, where regular folks were embracing Christianity." He added that although the Apostle Paul traveled through parts of the region, the extent of his presence in Akmoneia specifically is not fully detailed, but there was significant missionary work and dialogue in the area. IMAGE2