In her doctoral thesis, Trixi Steil examines a terracotta workshop in ancient Gerasa (Jordan) and its diverse range of figurative terracotta objects, masks, appliqués and clay lamps. The workshop, dating from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, is so far the only one of its kind in Transjordan to have been archaeologically confirmed. Since its first publication in 1944, it has been regarded as a key find for terracotta production in Jordan; however, Trixi Steil is the first to have examined it in full and published a comprehensive study on it. As part of the ‘Topic of the Month’ series on 4 and 11 October, Steil will present her initial observations on the diversity of motifs and manufacturing techniques on both days at 2.15 pm in Lecture Theatre F033 of the Fürstenberghaus, following an overview of the documented material. She will also compare the artefacts with other finds from the eastern Mediterranean region and provide insights into the workshop’s production, function and transregional connections.

A new face can now be found in the permanent exhibition – and what a face it is: a plaster cast of the so-called ‘Green Caesar’. This famous ancient portrait depicts Gaius Julius Caesar with striking features, a high forehead and a stern gaze – every inch a statesman, a military commander and one of the most famous figures in Roman history. The original, which is housed in the Berlin Collection of Classical Antiquities, was probably carved from Egyptian greywacke between 25 BC and 50 AD and found in Wadi Hammamat. The plaster cast has been made available to us on permanent loan from a private collection and now enhances the ‘Roman Corner’ in the basement.

Weitere Meldungen