The Tomb of Solon 1-2 century CE~ Kümbet, Phrygian Valley, Asia minor (Turkey) The Tomb of Solo

The Tomb of Solon

1-2 century CE~

Kümbet, Phrygian Valley, Asia minor (Turkey)

The Tomb of Solon is believed to date from the early Roman era, though its iconography (and inscriptions found at the sight) point at a mix of Phrygian and Roman culture.  Following the decline of the Hittites, the Phrygians ruled western central Anatolia between roughly 1150 - 550 BCE, and continued to follow the core of their culture under the control of the Persians, Greeks and Romans.

From the courtyard in front of the tomb, there are stairs climbing both sides of the tomb, which lead to what looks like an alter in front of the frieze and pediment.  The frieze is decorated with two lions facing each other, and guarding an urn that stands between them, which would representationally hold the remains of the deceased.  In the center of the pediment is the representation of a shield, and what looks like a pair of horses, though they could be lions, hinting that the deceased had won his honor in battle.

Finely decorated acroterion can be seen at the peak of the roof, and on each of the roof corners.  This truley is a magnificently decorated tomb, and according to inscriptions, was meant to house a man by the name of Solon.

Sources:1, 2