The Baptismal Well Inscription of Ex Comitibus Leo, son of Leo from the Kırşehir Museum

Authors : Senem DİNÇ

Pages : 377-386

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Publication Date : 2023-06-21

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This article concerns a large inscription carved in marble, which was found used as a decorative object in the garden of a private property in the Boztepe District of Kırşehir Province and later included in 2016 in the inventory of the Kırşehir Museum. The new inscription featured a Psalm verse and the name of the person who had the inscription made, someone called Leo with the title of ex comitibus. It is noteworthy because the verse concerns baptism and the hole in the center indicates it was used as a lid to a baptismal well. In contrast to the baptismal pools used commonly in the Early Christian period, having a well specifically for this ritual makes this a rare documented example. This study aims to determine the exact function and the date of the inscribed stone. The subject of baptism in the Early Christian period and the historical development of the comes title, which became widespread during the reign of Constantine I, have been examined to provide perspective. Thinking that they would contribute to the dating explanations have also provided for the elaborate decoration carrying the style of the period.
Keywords : Kappadokia, Comes, Vaftiz Litürjisi, Vaftiz Kuyusu, Zebur 29 3