2015/01/01 by Dyfri Williams · 1 citation
Arts and Humanities · #Archaeology and Historical Studies #Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History #Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies
paper · doi:10.2143/bab.90.0.3089919
openalex publication_date 2015/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25
This article examines in detail a Roman silver cantharus, said to be from ancient Betar, near Jerusalem (Palestine), and attempts to set it in its wider material, social and historical contexts. After consideration of the construction and condition, the scenes are discussed and attention drawn to the Greek elements in the iconography of the scenes of homosexual intercourse, especially the hair, which also provides a guide to the age and status of the figures. The possible impact of the iconography on the users of the cantharus, the status of its purchaser, and its final archaeological context are all touched on. Connections between small-scale vessels in various materials are also noted, especially Arretine pottery. Finally, questions are raised about individual craftsmen and workshops, signing and copying, and even chronology.