Ηλιακό παρατηρητήριο στην τοιχογραφία του κυνηγιού στη Βεργίνα
Part of : Το Αρχαιολογικό Έργο στη Μακεδονία και στη Θράκη ; 2009, pages 95-104
Issue:
Pages:
95-104
Parallel Title:
A solar observatory in the lion-hunt painting at Vergina
Abstract:
The subject of the painting in tomb B at Vergina is a hunt, rendered by a composition containing many figures: hunters, both mounted and on foot, are depicted hunting various prey in a level region with mountains in the background and rocky landscapes at both edges of the painting.At the right edge, the depiction of a bear peeking out from a cave-like opening has been interpreted as symbolizing Thrace, and by extension as a reference to the victorious Scythian campaign of Philip II. The landscape is identified with a megalithic solar observatory, and also probably a sanctuary in ancient Thrace near Buzovgrad in the Municipality of Kazanluk. Its shape has resulted from natural formations and human intervention. It was already in use from the Bronze Age for reckoning time through observation of the sun’s orbit, as well as for mystery rites of worship of the Sun and his mother, the Thracian Great Mother. The observatory is near the Odrysian capital of Seuthopolis, which was clearly an important sacred place in the period of the Scythian campaign. It would be unlikely that Philip had not visited this sacred spot en route to the North; it is more likely that he visited it as a pilgrim, as there are no indications of rejection in its depiction. It is also very probable that the painter had himself visited the site, where he obviously had the opportunity to make a sketch or miniature drawing, so that he could later render the arrangement and orientation of the rocks faithfully.The importance of the depiction of this solar observatory in the painting is enormous. By including it in the fresco, the painter illustrated in a unique fashion both a geographical region and simultaneously its inhabitants, for as the bent spear or javelin in her mouth suggests, the bear is the collective symbolic depiction of the defeated enemy. Furthermore, it offers compelling evidence of Philip II’s interest in astronomical phenomena and the sciences of his era.
Subject:
Subject (LC):
Keywords:
τοιχογραφίες, Βεργίνα
Notes:
Περιέχει εικόνες και χάρτες
