Close-up of a sculpted detail on a pilaster of the western city gate: a Nike (Greek goddess who personified victory) carrying a garland. Roman, 2nd or 3th century AD.

Monumental gates in Roman cities, especially in colonies were built as victory arches to symbolise the military power of Roman authority. The main gate in Pisidia Antiocheia, decorated with Nikes, weapons, armour, bucrania (skulls of an ox) and garlands is a perfect example of this tradition.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Sources: ‘Yalvaç / Pisidia Antiocheia’ – Dr. Mehmet Taşlıalan. (Istanbul, 1992)
& ‘Pisidian Antioch’ – Ünal Demirer, archaeologist. (Ankara, 1997).