Abstract

This study challenges Deissmann’s authoritative interpretation and dating of the archangel inscription on the ancient theater of Miletus (CIG 2.2895). Deissmann maintained that the inscription was clearly Christian and from the sixth century, after the conversion of the theater into a citadel. This study argues that the inscription is not distinctively Christian and probably dates from the fourth or fifth century. Recent archaeological research indicates that the conversion of the theater into a citadel occurred in the seventh, rather than in the sixth century. Thus, the palaeographical characteristics of the inscription can be explained only if the inscription originated earlier than the conversion of the theater. This earlier date suggests that the purpose of the inscription was probably not magical protection from military foes but rather protection from plague or other diseases. An analysis of a selection of magical gems demonstrates that the ovals of the inscription bear a significant resemblance to ovoid protective magical amulets from the late Roman period. The study concludes that an inscription long held to be Justinianic and Christian is most likely neither.

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