An engraved marble panel found at the ancient site of Sagalassos in in southwestern Turkey contains a unique example of Egyptian religious iconography never before found outside of Egypt. It was found in a Roman-era bathhouse, not a temple, and there is no evidence that Egyptian deities were worshipped in Sagalassos. They appear to have been used purely for ornamental purposes.
Carved on panels of Afyon marble probably during the reign of Augustus, the reliefs depict the sphinx god Tutu on the lintel of a doorway. Above him is the falcon god Horus. To his left is the crocodile god Soken. On each side of the doorway are figures wearing the crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt. They symbolize Tutu’s guardianship over all of Egypt, while Horus represents royal authority and Sobeck the power of the Nile.
The plaques were first discovered in the northern frigidarium of the baths in 2004. Archaeologists re-examined them last year.
Excavation director and Bilkent University Archaeology Department head Professor Peter Talloen told state-run Anadolu Agency (AA) that during the Roman period, Sagalassos established connections with Egypt through trade routes. […]
Talloen said Sagalassians exported ceramics, wine and agricultural products to Egypt, while bringing back fish species and cultural influences to Anatolia. He emphasized that the marble slab with the Tutu figure stands out as one of the rare examples of Egyptian influence in Anatolia. […]
Talloen said they examined the marble slab and determined it belongs to the Afyonkarahisar region, adding that it was clearly determined the marble slab did not come from Egypt.
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