DOI: 10.33469/oannes.1974674 ISSN: 2667-7059

A Lieu de Mémoire in the North Necropolis of Diocaesarea: Arcosolium Rock-cut Tomb KNM-291 and the Social Identity of the Technical Elites

Aylin Alış, Ahmet Mörel
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Diocaesarea is located in the modern Uzuncaburç settlement within the Silifke district of Mersin province. As the administrative and religious center of the Olba region during the Hellenistic period, Diocaesarea profoundly influenced the historical course of the area. Among the four distinct necropolises surrounding the ancient city, the Northern Necropolis stands out as the largest cemetery of Diocaesarea, with a unique density of tomb structures and a complex typological repertoire. Located approximately 1km north of the city center, this area, extending in terraces along the valley axis, contains excellent examples of rock-cut tomb architecture. The main focus of this study is the KNM-291 rock-cut tomb, systematically excavated and documented during the 2024 season. To date, the tomb has only been examined through superficial assessments. However, these approaches, based solely on stylistic comparisons, are insufficient to illuminate the tomb's phases of use, precise chronology, and internal spatial organization. This study encompasses a holistic framework integrating architectural documentation, typological evaluation, and stratigraphic analysis of in-situ finds. Given the scarcity of systematically excavated rock-cut tombs in a verified stratigraphic context in this region, the data from tomb KNM-291 serves as a fundamental chronological reference for Rough Cilicia. The archaeological data from the tomb constitute an important and unique case study for understanding the regional distribution, architectural evolution, and diachronic adaptation of funerary rituals through successive reuse practices of this tomb typology. This study re-examines the developmental stages of the tomb, drawing on ceramic and numismatic evidence, with the aim of improving existing regional chronologies. Furthermore, it aims to offer a new analytical framework for understanding how the organization of the necropolis reflected the changing socio-cultural identity of the Diocaesarea throughout Late Antiquity.

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