The so-called Tetrapylon of Aphrodisias. The Monumental Entranceway to the Sanctuary of Aphrodiate and its Modern Reconstruction

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Ursula Quatember
• Subject Area: Classical, Roman, Christian and Islamic Archaeology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 569956168

This project will make use of all unpublished data and records that have been collected over a span of five decades to recount, document, and analyze the original structure of the so-called Tetrapylon of Aphrodisias and its modern reincarnation. The incorporation of the architectural, archaeological, anastylosis, and conservation materials will provide a rare and unique opportunity to bridge the gap between the realm of academic theory and that of actual practice. As a result, this study will not only give us a wider perspective on classical architecture, but it will at the same time greatly enhance our understanding of ancient construction method and technique. Equally important, the full analysis of the modern anastylosis and conservation work of the Tetrapylon will produce the very first complete document of a modern reconstruction project. As the practice of anastylosis has become increasingly popular in recent decades, with Turkey in particular, the resulting publication is poised to become an important source of reference and will bear meaningful implications on issues related to cultural heritage, site management and historic preservation. Ultimately, the final volume of this proposed project will serve the community of scholars of ancient architecture as the first academic work on the Tetrapylon as well serving the academic and professional communities engaged in cultural heritage, historic preservation, and their related fields as the first detailed reference of anastylosis and conservation of an ancient classical monument.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants