Inscriptions from Israel and Palestine
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Location

ZOOR0287

Negev. Zoora. January 7, late 4th - early fifth century CE. Green sandstone tombstone. Epitaph.
Transcription

ΜνημίονΜνημεῖον Ματρώνης Ἀλφίου, ἀποθανούσης ἐτῶν λεʹ, μηνὶ ΑὐδονέῳΑὐδυναίῳ κβʹ.

Translation

Monument of Matrona, (daughter) of Alphios, who died (at the age) of 35 years, on (the) 22nd (day) of the month Audynaios.

Diplomatic

[no diplomatic]

Terminus post quem:
Terminus ante quem:
Notes
The inscription records the date as the 22nd day of the month Audynaios, that is, January 7. It has been further dated to the end of the fourth century or the beginning of the fifth century CE on the strength of other factors. The tombstone is one of about 700 discovered in Byzantine Zoora. The majority of the Greek tombstones from this location have been identified as Christian.The rectangular tombstone is broken on its upper right and has suffered some chipping. A frame surrounds the text its left, right and top. Guide-lines are partially preserved in the text. The text is engraved and partially painted red. The frame is engraved and red painted, while the guidelines are only drawn in red paint. The author notes that the names mentioned here are also attested elsewhere at Ghor es-Safi.

Languages

Greek

Dimensions

H: 43 cm; W: 30 cm; D: 08 cm

Date

380 CE to 420 CE

Current location

Department of Antiquities of Jordan

Figures

  • Guide-lines throughout inscription

  • Frame around inscription (missing bottom)

Bibliography

Source of diplomatic

No bibliography available for diplomatic transcription.

Source of transcription

No bibliography available for transcription.

Source of translation

No bibliography available for translation.

Other sources

  • Meimaris, Yiannis, and Kalliope Kritikakou-Nikolaropoulou. Inscriptions from Palaestina Tertia Vol. Ia: The Greek Inscriptions from Ghor Es-Safi (Byzantine Zoora). Athens, Greece: National Hellenic Research Foundation, 2005.
    Zotero
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The project can be cited as:

Satlow, Michael L., ed. 2002 - . “Inscriptions of Israel/Palestine.” Brown University. https://doi.org/10.26300/PZ1D-ST89

This inscription can be cited as:

"Inscriptions of Israel/Palestine," ZOOR0287, 18 November 2025. https:doi.org/10.26300/pz1d-st89