Architectural Sandstone Elements from Tower Corners

A number of large carved sandstone elements were recovered amongst the collapse that most probably fell from the northeast corner of the South Tower. It can now be understood that the southeast corner of the North Tower must have been provided with matching elements of which few fragments survived. While it is clear that the general scheme included bolsters and bolster like elements, more work is needed to reassemble broken fragments before a convincing reconstruction of the architectural scheme can be finalised. Some of these blocks bear “masons marks” that resemble (single) Old Phrygian letters. A large block (ID 05TR17U12arc11) has a raised edge band and a circular feature at the end of a diagonal band (Fig. 47) which is thought to indicate the angle at which a roof or pediment was pitched.

Possible Sandstone Capitals

Large sandstone bolsters (e.g. Fig. 48 for bolster ID 05TR17U12arc07), all fragmentary, very probably broke off from the edges of sandstone capitals to the freestanding wooden columns at either end of the entrance. The estimated number of these bolsters is not inconsistent with a total of four such capitals each having a pair of bolsters or, just possibly, four bolsters on each. Joining of the many fragments is still in progress and it is hoped that it will prove possible to restore completely the precise form and size of these capitals, if such they are, at least on paper.

Sandstone Bolsters

Sandstone bolsters (e.g. Fig. 49a-49b for bolster ID 05TR16U14arc04), in addition to those mentioned above, were found in a variety of sizes. It would seem that some of these and very possibly all except the small examples that belong to a square element from a freestanding monument illustrated in previous reports, appear to have come from the walls of the towers.

One bolster (not illustrated), found in a much abraded condition on the pavement west of the entranceway, came possibly from another building, perhaps the Audience Hall from whence it would have rolled down.

The Statue

More joining fragments of the draped figure in human form (K04.182 with ID 04TR16U02stn01 and several joining fragments) were found and it can be reported that the context is better understood. Additional fragments of the ribbed skirt were recovered from a robber’s pit, but of the feet, presumably carved on a base block, no trace has been found.

More positively, the left eye (Fig. 50), together with other poorly preserved fragments from the head (ID 05TR17U14stn01), were found laying directly on the stone pavement below the remains of burnt thatch probably fallen from the tower roof. This context makes it certain that statue was smashed in the entrance passage before the fire, increasing the likelihood that it originally stood no great distance from where it was found. More negatively, neither the left arm, which seems to have been somehow extended away from the body, nor the top of whatever was held over the right shoulder have been found. Thus neither the gender nor the identification have been ascertained. In another development, it is now thought that the small steeply inclined hole in the side was probably intended to affix the figure to the large squared wooden dowel that was inserted into the lower quarter of the statue. One suggestion is that lead was used for this purpose, pieces of molten lead having been found in the destruction debris; but if so not a trace now remains. It is possible that further joins will be made, but unlikely that they will add to our understanding of this enigmatic and forceful portrayal.

Sculpted and Inscribed Stone

Study of the freestanding block bearing panels of small-scale relief sculpture with Old Phrygian inscriptions on some of the raised borders (Fig. 51) continued during the summer. New joins between previously excavated fragments have permitted a much better understanding of the original scheme. It is now known that the block (K03.168 with ID 03TR11U08stn02 and several joining fragments) was rectangular in profile and probably square in plan.

The main panel on the front seems to have depicted two clothed figures facing one another beneath a winged sun-disc. It is probably that these figures were griffin-headed genii. The inscription runs around the four raised borders of the front. A shorter inscription on the left side of the block (when viewed from the front) names the dedicant, Tata. Lions seem to have adorned the side panels and somewhere there was vegetation. It is not clear if the back side of the block was also sculpted. We look forward to Professor Claude Brixhe’s study of the text with bated breath. The sandstone block from which these fragments of inscription and relief had sheered off has not been found and, to compound matters, there are some fragments so distorted and vitrified by the fire that, although they appear as though they may have been part of the piece, no form or inscription can be discerned. Further, a small number of sculpted relief fragments have been recovered that may or may not belong; but these are insufficient in number and size to permit even the most tentative reconstruction.

One fragment of equally small-scale sandstone sculpture, this time in the round, probably depicts the feet of a bird of prey gripping a bone. Similar votive statuettes of birds perched on bones, made of alabaster, are known from sixth century contexts at Gordion.

Decorative Metal

A Decorative Bronze Band

An incomplete length of sheet bronze (K05.204 with ID 05TR17U14met01), has embossed and stamped decoration in the form of two square panels, one above the other. The top panel contains a bull while that below has a griffin, both facing left (Fig. 52). Added domes border the panels. There are small sewing holes along the top and right edges.

A Bronze Fitting

A cast bronze fitting (K05.203 with ID 05TR17U12met01), perhaps from a bowl, is remarkably well preserved (Fig. 53).

Gold Sculptural Embellishment

A thick piece of gold sheet (K05.215 with ID 05TR16U16met05) was discovered on the pavement immediately in front of the southern column base at the front of the entrance. It was formed round a wooden core to which it was once attached by a single nail, perhaps in the shape of a horn with a knobbed end (Fig. 54). The presence of this precious object might indicate why the later robbing of the entrance was so extensive.

Iron and Stone Architectural Elements

Iron Bands

Two large iron bands (K05.191 with ID 05TR16U18met05, K05.192 with ID 05TR16U18met06), almost identical to those discovered in 2002, were found against the tower wall on the south side of the passage. Fragments of similar bands were also recovered from the inner end of the entrance, although these were less well preserved than the complete bands from the front which are still tensile to this day. Some of the holes punched through these bands still contained large dome-headed nails (Figs 55 and 56) while fugitive nails were found in the burnt debris nearby. It is thought that these derived from the doors, their being two horizontal bands on each. The dimensions are not inconsistent with this interpretation and the find spots lend further support the conclusion that the doors had been taken down before the fire, perhaps to remove metal embellishment and to loot out metal door sockets.

Iron Braces

A second large iron brace (K05.207 with ID 05TR17U14met07) found in 2005 near the South Tower is very similar to the one found in 2002 by the North Tower and amplifies the architectural symmetry of the entrance. The brace (Fig. 57) has squared ends and large domeheaded nails.

In addition, a number of smaller braces with splayed ends and smaller nails paralleled those found in the two previous seasons. Like the bands described above, these iron braces are witness to the structural importance of iron in strengthening timber construction.

Ivory Inlay Fragments

Many small semicircular ivory inlays were recovered from the vicinity of the central screen. There are no indications as to what they were originally set into, but they seem rather small to have come from the screen itself.

Photographic Recording of Finds from the 2005 and Previous Seasons

High resolution digital photographs were taken of most of the objects from previous seasons as well as from those found during the early part of the 2005 season. All other finds were recorded by means of digital photography, most images being of publication standard. In addition there are many digital photographs of conservation in progress, particularly the architectural blocks. Traditional black and white negatives have been abandoned because of the difficulty of processing and printing, as well as cost. Colour slides continue to be used for some of the larger objects, as well as for site photography, but a combination cost and practical considerations has mean increasing reliance on digital imaging.