A Roman Necropolis in Southern Commagene: Yarımca (Yavuzeli) Underground Rock Tombs

Authors : Beyazıt Söylemez

Pages : 1953-1987

Doi:10.18506/anemon.1698632

View : 26 | Download : 86

Publication Date : 2025-12-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The Yarımca Necropolis, located approximately 9 km east of Yavuzeli district of Gaziantep province, represents one of the most important examples of Roman funerary architecture in Southern Commagene. The Yarımca Necropolis, which was surveyed in 2022 and contains 13 underground chamber tombs, follows a standard Roman burial practice. All tombs have east-facing entrances, arcosoliums and staircases, providing a structural unity within the site. Reflecting standard Roman burial practices, these tombs carved into the limestone bedrock are similar to the necropolises of Doliche, Zeugma and Sogmatar in the region. A nearby cult site 100 m northeast of the burial site, containing damaged reliefs of the goddess Demeter and an eagle, possibly symbolising Zeus, carved on the bedrock surface, suggests the presence of religious rituals associated with death and deification. It is understood that the limestone bedrock covering the necropolis area was used as a quarry. The combination of architectural, iconographic and ritual elements underlines the role of the necropolis not only as a burial site, but also as a sacred space within the Roman cultural-religious landscape. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of Roman funerary traditions, death-related ritual practices and regional differences in Anatolia.
Keywords : Yarımca Necropolis, Underground Rock Tomb, Gaziantep, Yavuzeli, Arcosolium

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