Philosopher mask found at ancient theater

"Five theatrical mask reliefs, including a rare depiction of a philosopher, have been discovered in the Roman theater of Kastabala Ancient City, southern Turkey. Masks have been discovered in previous seasons of excavations at the theater site. With this year's five, the total has now risen to 36. Associate Professor Faris Demir, the excavation director, said the newly uncovered masks offer significant clues about the artistic practices of the period."

"Among the latest finds is a striking relief of an elderly philosopher, a discovery he says enhances Kastabala's importance as a cultural crossroads of Eastern and Western traditions. Demir noted that philosopher depictions are rarely seen among theatrical mask reliefs. This figure is strong evidence that the Kastabala Theater functioned not only as a venue for tragedy and comedy but also as a space where philosophical and literary discussions took place, he said."

"A 2023 excavation uncovered the remains of a 6th century B.C. temple dedicated to the Luwian goddess Kubaba, the first temple to Kubaba ever discovered, although they are known from ancient texts. In the Hellenistic period (ca. 2nd century B.C.), the city had a sanctuary of Artemis Perasia which was unique for its ritual of priestesses walking barefoot on burning coals."

The Roman theater at Kastabala yielded five new theatrical mask reliefs, bringing the site total to 36. One relief depicts an elderly philosopher, a rare motif among theatrical masks and evidence of philosophical presence in the theater's use. Theater functions included tragedy, comedy, and spaces for literary and philosophical discussion. Kastabala was founded in the Late Hittite period about 2,700 years ago and served as a sacred city. A 2023 excavation uncovered a 6th century B.C. temple to the Luwian goddess Kubaba. In the Hellenistic period the city hosted a sanctuary of Artemis Perasia with barefoot-burning-coal rituals. The Roman theater dates to the 1st century and seated around 5,000; well-preserved stage features could allow partial reconstruction.

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