A Group of Liturgical Pieces of the Middle Byzantine Period at the Mugla, Bodrum and Milas Archaeological Museums

Abstract

During investigations we held in Mugla, Bodrum and Milas Museums, architectural sculpture with liturgical function, which are covered by geometrical compositions, were observed. These works of art, which are decorated with compositions consisting of various geometrical and floral designs, reveal some resemblances in terms of design and style. Arcade series which have been observed since the 9 th century on architraves, plates, piers and column capitals; geometrical designs with squares, circles and equilateral quadrangles which are connected to each other with knots and cavities and are created with drillers, form the special Byzantine compositions of the Middle Byzantine period. On the other hand, palmettes of various styles and rosettes filling in the geometrical forms are used in every century but concave leaf applications in these designs is a common application of Middle Byzantine period. The chronology is corroborated by safely dated objects from the coastal and inland Aegean as well as from the Lycian region. The pieces we have examined here are the reflections of the limitless arrangement of art in the Middle Byzantine Period of the Karian region.