Beyond Typology: Compositional Analysis of Grave Goods from Tralleis Western Necropolis Using Portable XRF Spectrometry

journal.phaselis.org Disiplinlerarası Akdeniz Araştırmaları Dergisi Journal of Interdisciplinary Mediterranean Studies Issue XI (2025) Beyond Typology: Compositional Analysis of Grave Goods from Tralleis Western Necropolis Using Portable XRF Spectrometry Tipolojinin Ötesinde: Tralleis Batı Nekropolü Mezar Eşyalarının Taşınabilir XRF Spektrometrisi ile Bileşimsel Analizi Arzu ÖZVER https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4211-4933 Salih SOSLU https://orcid.org/0000-00032045-116X The entire contents of this journal, Phaselis: Journal of Interdisciplinary Mediterranean Studies, is open to users and it is an ‘open access’ journal. Users are able to read the full texts, to download, to copy, print and distribute without obtaining the permission of the editor and author(s). However, all references to the articles published in the e-journal Phaselis are to indicate through reference the source of the citation from this journal. Phaselis: Journal of Interdisciplinary Mediterranean Studies is a peer-reviewed journal and the articles which have had their peer reviewing process completed will be published on the web-site (journal.phaselis.org) in the year of the journal’s issue (e.g. Issue XI: JanuaryDecember 2025). At the end of December 2025 the year’s issue is completed and Issue XII: January-December 2026 will begin. Responsibility for the articles published in this journal remains with the authors. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons AttributionNonCommercial -ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Citation A. Özver & S. Soslu,”Beyond Typology: Compositional Analysis of Grave Goods from Tralleis Western Necropolis Using Portable XRF Spectrometry” Phaselis XI (2025) 57-73. 10.5281/zenodo.17373258 Received Date: 10.07.2025 | Acceptance Date: 15.08.2025 Online Publication Date: 17.10.2025 Editing Phaselis Research Project www.phaselis.org e-ISSN: 2149-7826 Geliş Tarihi: 10.07.2025 Kabul Tarihi: 15.08.2025 Yayın Tarihi: 17.10.2022 XI (2025) 57-73 DOI: 10.18367/Pha.210XX journal.phaselis.org Beyond Typology: Compositional Analysis of Grave Goods from Tralleis Western Necropolis Using Portable XRF Spectrometry Tipolojinin Ötesinde: Tralleis Batı Nekropolü Mezar Eşyalarının Taşınabilir XRF Spektrometrisi ile Bileşimsel Analizi Arzu ÖZVER ∗ Salih SOSLU∗∗ Abstract: The archaeological study of necropoleis has traditionally relied on typological and stylistic analyses, often lacking comprehensive archaeometric investigations that could provide deeper insights into ancient material culture, production technologies, and socio-economic networks. This study addresses this methodological gap by presenting an interdisciplinary archaeometric investigation of grave goods excavated in 2017 from the Western Necropolis of the of Tralleis, located in the Kemer neighborhood of Efeler district, Aydın province. Despite the archaeological significance of Tralleis as a major Hellenistic and Roman urban center in western Anatolia, systematic scientific analyses of its necropolis assemblages have remained conspicuously absent from scholarly discourse. Employing portable X-ray Fluorescence (p-XRF) spectrometry, this research examines a representative corpus of funerary deposits recovered from chamber tombs, stone cist tombs, tile graves, pithos burials, and cremation urns. The analytical protocol encompasses both ceramic artifacts—including lamps, lykion vessels, situlae, jugs, and transport amphorae—and metal objects such as mirrors, bracelets, and rings. The p-XRF analyses yield critical data concerning compositional characteristics, clay provenance, firing technologies, and alloy compositions, thereby illuminating aspects of craft specialization, trade networks, and ritual practices. This investigation represents the first comprehensive archaeometric study of Tralleis necropolis material, transcending conventional descriptive approaches through the integration of advanced analytical methodologies. The findings contribute significantly to our understanding of mortuary practices, technological traditions, and regional exchange systems in ancient Caria during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Keywords: Tralleis, p-XRF Analysis, Necropolis Assemblages, Ceramic Archaeometry, Metallurgical Analysis Öz: Nekropolis alanlarının arkeolojik incelemesi geleneksel olarak tipolojik ve stilistik analizlere dayanmakta, antik materyal kültürü, üretim teknolojileri ve sosyo-ekonomik ağlar hakkında daha derin içgörüler sağlayabilecek kapsamlı arkeometrik araştırmalardan yoksun kalmaktadır. Bu çalışma, Aydın ili Efeler ilçesi Kemer mahallesinde yer alan Tralleis’in Batı Nekropolis'inde 2017 yılında gerçekleştirilen kazılarda ele geçen mezar buluntularının disiplinlerarası arkeometrik incelemesini sunarak bu metodolojik boşluğu gidermeyi amaçlamaktadır. Tralleis'in Batı Anadolu'daki önemli bir Hellenistik ve Roma dönemi kent merkezi olmasına ∗ Asst. Prof., Aydın University, The Faculty of Science and Literature, Department of Archaeology, [email protected] | https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4211-4933 ∗∗ Asst. Prof., Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Faculty of Science and Literature, Department of Archaeology, [email protected] | https://orcid.org/0000-00032045-116X This publication was supported by AADU Scientific Research Project Unit and prepared withind the scope of Project N. REF-22004. All of the findings in this study are from the Tralleis Necropolis. While some of the findings question are taken from the project, some of them consist of finding obtained in necropolis excavations and introduced for the first time in this study. The archaeometric analysis of the findings. Arzu ÖZVER & Salih SOSLU 58 karşın, nekropolis buluntularının sistematik bilimsel analizleri akademik literatürde belirgin biçimde eksik kalmıştır. Taşınabilir X-ışını Floresan (p-XRF) spektrometrisi kullanılarak yürütülen bu araştırma, oda mezarlar, taş sanduka mezarlar, kiremit mezarlar, pithos gömüler ve kremasyon urnelerinden çıkarılan temsili bir cenaze buluntuları korpusunu incelemektedir. Analitik protokol, kandiller, lykion kapları, situlalar, testiler ve ticari amphoralar gibi seramik eserlerin yanı sıra aynalar, bilezikler ve yüzükler gibi metal nesneleri de kapsamaktadır. p-XRF analizleri, bileşimsel özellikler, kil kökeni, pişirme teknolojileri ve alaşım kompozisyonları hakkında kritik veriler sunarak zanaat uzmanlaşması, ticaret ağları ve ritüel uygulamaların çeşitli yönlerini aydınlatmaktadır. Bu araştırma, Tralleis nekropolis malzemesinin ilk kapsamlı arkeometrik çalışmasını temsil etmekte ve ileri analitik metodolojilerin entegrasyonu yoluyla geleneksel betimleyici yaklaşımları aşmaktadır. Bulgular, Hellenistik ve Roma dönemlerinde antik Karia Bölgesi’ndeki ölü gömme pratikleri, teknolojik gelenekler ve bölgesel değişim sistemlerinin anlaşılmasına önemli katkılar sağlamaktadır. Anahtar Kelimeler: Tralleis, p-XRF Analiz, Nekropol Buluntu Toplulukları, Seramik Arkeometrisi, Metalürjik Analiz Introduction Tralleis is in the Topyatağı region, north of the Kemer district, in the center of modern Aydın. The knowledge of the early history of the ancient city of Tralleis is limited. Historically, it was adjacent to Thyeira / Thyaira / Tire and Lydia to the north, Ephesus to the northwest, Magnesia and Maeandrum to the southwest, as well as the territory of Ionia1. The excavations conducted on the site2 have revealed several architectural remnants and archaeological artifacts that illustrate the city’s artistic heritage. Recent excavations and studies in the city, alongside surviving textual sources, have revealed that it was a significant production center throughout the Roman period, particularly through pottery3 and glass4 artifacts. The conducted investigations demonstrate that the city was a production center of “Eastern Sigillata B” throughout the Roman period, with Pliny the Elder’s accounts corroborating this statement5. Research conducted to date indicates that the Tralleis necropolis spans a considerable expanse in four directions and comprises at least four distinct necropolis sections within the city6. Data from the East, West, North and South necropolises, situated beneath the contemporary city of Aydın, indicates that the Tralleis necropolis is not positioned on a level terrain but extends towards hills 1 Özver 2021, 9. 2 For excavations and research carried out in the city, see: Leake 1824, 247; Chandler 1825, 260; Fellows 1852, 242; Texier 1862, 280; Rayet & Thomas 1877; Frothingham 1888, 486; Humann & Doerpfeld 1893, 395, Taf. XII-XIII; Edhem Bey 1904, 55; Dinç 1998, 205; Dinç & Dede 2003a, 11; Dinç & Dede 2003b, 405; Dinç & Dede 2004, 339; Yaylalı 2008, 551; Yaylalı 2009, 17; Yaylalı 2010, 375; Akkan, Saraçoğlu & Özver 2016, 265; Akkan & Saraçoğlu 2018, 367; Akkan, Öztürk & Karaosmanoğlu 2019, 173; Öztürk, Kavaz-Kındığılı & Güloğlu 2020, 559; Öztürk, Güloğlu, Özcihan & Toy 2022, 435. The excavations started in 2022 and are currently ongoing under the direction of the Aydın Museum, with scientific guidance by Prof. Dr. Murat Çekilmez from Aydın Adnan Menderes University. 3 Ölmez 2000; Civelek 2001; Baylan 2008; Erol 2004; Takaoğlu 2006, 263-267; Erön 2013; Özver 2021; Coşkun 2022; Civelek 2010, 169-191; Saraçoğlu 2013, 475-495; Ertuğrul 2023. 4 Yaylalı 2008, 24-27; Erön 2015, 30. 5 Plin. Nat. 35, 46, 160-161. J. W. Hayes (2008, 31) corroborates this information, indicating that the city of Tralleis was included in Pliny the Elder’s catalog of regarded production centers for “Eastern Sigillata B”. He notes that the city’s designation during the Augustan era was “Caesarea” a name imprinted on certain vessels, and that artifacts of highquality Tralleis pottery from the early periods were discovered in Ephesus, a major trading center of the region. Hayes. 6 Özver 2021, 43. Compositional Analysis of Grave Goods from Tralleis Western Necropolis 59 and steep inclines7. The Tralleis necropolises, when evaluated together regarding their position, reveal that the tombs were constructed beyond the city limits in topographically favorable places8. Various types of tombs with distinct architectural characteristics have been discovered in the Tralleis necropolis, including chambers, cist graves, terracotta sarcophagi, pithoi, jars, amphoras, roof tiles, situlas, urns, simple earthenware tombs and platform tombs9. From the Hellenistic to Eastern Roman periods, these tombs reflect burial custom and regional contacts, seen in both burial goods and architectural design10. The western necropolis of the city, where the materials pertinent to this study were discovered, is situated to the north of the inclined valley and beyond the city walls, commencing from the slope on the western periphery of the city and partially adjacent to the modern asphalt road that connects the Kemer district to the area commonly referred to as Üçgözler11. The initial research conducted in the western necropolis of Tralleis was a salvage excavation by the Aydın Archaeological Museum. Subsequently, excavations were conducted in this region from 2007 to 2008 under the supervision of Prof. Dr. A. Yaylalı, a faculty member of the Archaeology Department at Adnan Menderes University12. A total of 40 graves, comprising nine distinct types, were excavated within a limited area. These included one two-storey and two-roomed chamber tomb with dromos, one arched and single-roomed chamber tomb, three stone cist graves, eight situlas, three amphorae, five urns, 16 roof tiles, one simple earthenware, two pithoi, and one platform type. The discovery of chamber tombs and different types of multi-burial rooms, notable for their artifacts, distinguished the city for its funerary architecture and necropolis finds. The Tralleis West Necropolis found most of its artifacts within the graves, while trenches outside the tombs held a minority. Both inside and outside the tombs, these discoveries were thought to come from the same necropolis. Consequently, a detailed examination of the artifacts from the tombs at Tralleis revealed a substantial assemblage of materials exhibiting diverse forms, types, and styles13. This study focuses on the tombs and artifacts found in this area between 2007 and 2008. The materials analyzed in our research were gathered from the excavation of 39 tombs in 2007 and published in 200814. The single-room chamber tomb discovered in the same vicinity in 2008 was introduced in 200915 and 202416. The findings concluded that the western necropolis of Tralleis was utilized from the third quarter of the 4th century BCE until the end of the 4th century CE17. The coins, lamps, unguentariums, bowls, plates, single-handled jugs, amphorae, figurines, and unguentariums recovered from the tombs in the western necropolis of Tralleis were presumed to be grave goods, with the majority of the artifacts found in an intact condition. So, 13 terracotta artifacts found in the Tralleis excavation depot that were the lamps, lykions, urns, situlas and situla lids, single-handled jugs, and amphorae. Also, nine metal artifacts, such as mirrors, bracelets, and rings, were analyzed using p-XRF, which is a non-destructive technique. 7 Özver 2021, 43. 8 Özver 2021, 42. 9 Özver 2021, 44. 10 Özver 2021, 45. 11 Özver 2021, 51-57. 12 Yaylalı 2008, 555-576; Yaylalı 2009, 17-40. 13 For detailed information on the Tralleis Western Necropolis and its finds, see: Özver 2021; Özver 2024, 107-132. 14 Saraçoğlu & Çekilmez 2008, 27-34. 15 Çekilmez 2009, 380-382. 16 Özver 2024, 107-132. 17 Özver 2021, 56. Arzu ÖZVER & Salih SOSLU 60 Archaeometric analyses were conducted to identify the chemical composition of the tombs in the Western Necropolis of Tralleis, as well as the pottery and metal artifacts discovered therein, to elucidate the relationships among the samples and to evaluate their compositional similarities. The pottery and metal artifacts from the western necropolis of Tralleis were analyzed using the p-XRF technique, and the chemical properties of the materials were characterized. The presence of similarities in the chemical analysis. A primary purpose is to compare and assess the results obtained from archaeometric analyses conducted and published18 in past years on other artifacts from Tralleis. An effort has been undertaken to ascertain the clay composition and firing properties of the Tralleis terracotta artifacts. Furthermore, archaeometric analyses of metallic artifacts are quite uncommon. Consequently, there is a need for data that can be acquired through area research in addition to excavations. It is essential to identify the manufacturing technologies and resources of the Anatolian metal production centres and to correlate them with the excavation findings. The conducted investigations can yield insights into the identification and recording of artifacts, as well as the production technologies of various civilizations across different eras. p-XRF analysis has been employed to ascertain the metal elemental composition of the artifacts, provide comprehensive and general evaluations of the samples and establish alloy ratios. Findings Pottery and terracotta findings Thirteen terracotta artifacts were discovered and examined in the necropolis region: Seven lamps (Fig. 1), an amphora grave, a single-handled jug, a lykion, two situlas and a situla lid (Fig. 2). Lamps A significant quantity of lamps was discovered in the tombs of the western necropolis of Tralleis. Seven of these lamps were chosen as samples and analyzed. Lamp 1: A fragment of the nose and base of the “Ephesos type” lamp from trench I of the western necropolis of Tralleis has been conserved. It possesses a spear-shap nose, is substantial in size, features an oval wick hole, and is molded. The clay exhibits a reddish-yellow color (7.5 YR 7/ 8) and contains inclusions of mica, limestone, and sand. The lamp discovered in trench I has been dated to the late 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE based on comparable artifacts19. Lamp 2: The handle and nose of the “Ephesos type” lamp discovered in the southern corner of kline 2 within the chamber tomb with dromos are damaged. The object features a round body, a double convex contour, a plastic band encircling the broad discus aperture, three tiny air vents adjacent to the oil opening, a relief vase pattern in the channel between the wick aperture and the discus, floral decorations on the shoulder, and a slightly elevated base. The body is micaceous, pinkish-grey (7.5 YR 7/2), while the interior is black (5 YR 2.5/1). Comparative analysis with similar objects20 which are known as “Ephesos type” has dated to the late 2nd century BCE to the early 1st century BCE21. The object in question is believed to have originated at Ephesus, exhibiting the distinctive characteristics of Ephesian lamps, including air vents surrounding the disc, a doughy texture, grey clay, a dark greyblack metallic glaze, a spear-head nose, and floral designs on the shoulder22. 18 Takaoğlu 2006, 263-267; Doymaz 2021, 139-147; Ertuğrul 2023, 250-282; Avcı 2024, 145-160. 19 Özver 2021, 367, Cat. No: 31. 20 Howland 1958, No: 651, Pl. 49; Hayes 1980, 55, Pl. 7; Gürler 1994, 167, Pl. 35; Civelek 2001, Cat. No: 13, Pl. 7. 21 Özver 2021, 365, Cat. No: 25. 22 Özver 2021, 138. Compositional Analysis of Grave Goods from Tralleis Western Necropolis 61 Lamp 3: Another example of the “Ephesos type”23 lamps from the chamber tomb was discovered in the southern section of kline 4. The handle and nose of this object, produced by using a mold, have not lasted. The object features a circular body, a double convex contour, an expansive oil aperture, a plastic band encircling the broad discus opening, and a rounded, slightly elevated base. The clay has a reddish-yellow hue (7.5 YR 7/8) with the incorporation of mica, lime, and sand, while the coating is red (10 R 4/6). The “Ephesos type” lamp from the chamber tomb has been dated to the late 2nd to early 1rd century BCE based on the tomb context and other objects24. Lamp 4: A portion of the discus and the complete handle are absent from the lamp with lug discovered at the base of the chamber tomb with dromos. The object is shaP with an oval nose, a concave disc, a plain shoulder featuring an outwards protruding ear and a circular, flat base. The somewhat damaged and unadorned disc is encircled by three rings. The clay exhibits a reddishyellow color (5 YR 6/6) with little specks of mica, lime, and sand, while the lining is red (2.5 YR 4/6). Based on comparable examples25, the lamp with lug is dated to the first half of the 1st century CE26. Lamp 5: An additional instance of “Ephesos type” lamp was discovered in roof tile tomb 12. The handle and right flange are damaged. Moulded, rounded snout and body, unembellished, narrow, round, concave disc featuring a small oil aperture at the center, left shoulder exhibiting an outwardly extending flange, slightly concave round base, the disc delineated by concentric circles, elongated nose bridge adorned with a beardless mask figure linked to the disc perimeter, and a fruit ivy motifs on the shoulder. The clay is pink (5 YR 7/4) containing mica, lime, and sand, whereas the lining is crimson (10 R 5/6). The “Ephesos type” lamp discovered in roof tile tomb 12 is dated to the late 2nd century BCE to the early 1st century BCE27 based on similar artifacts28. Lamp 6: The lamp from the vaulted chamber tomb of the western necropolis of Tralleis is complete, with the exception of its fractured nose. It is shap, including a round body, broad and sloping shoulders, a ridged vertical handle, a circular base and a large concave disc. Two rectangular relief panels are positioned on the shoulder of the lamp, opposing one another, while the discus features a mythical depiction29 encircled by an interlocking ring. The clay exhibits a light red color (2.5 YR 7/6) containing mica and sand, while the lining is characterized by a white color (5 YR 8/1). This lamp, is dated to the 2nd-3rd century CE30. Lamp 7: Another example of lamps in the vaulted chamber tomb is a “Heart-Shap Nozzle” lamp. A molded, heart-shap nozzle, round body features a concave disc encircled by two intertwined relief circles, wide oil apertures, and a grooved vertical handle ascending from the disc. The round bottom displays a bust-shap figure of Tyche (?) adorned with a radiate crown on the disc’s front, accompanied by an oil hole adjacent to the figure’s left shoulder. The clay reveals a reddish-yellow color (5 YR 6/6) with the incorporation of mica, lime and sand, while the lining is characterized by a light red color (2.5 YR 6/8). The “Heart-Shap Nozzle” lamp in the vaulted chamber tomb is dated to the 1st-2nd century CE based on the tomb’s context31. 23 Wiegand & Schrader 1904, 174 Pl. 558; Bruneau 1965, No: 2235, 2252, 2272, 2344, Pl. 12, Kassab-Tezgör & Sezer 1995, 117, No: 305; Ölmez 2000, Cat. No: 51, Pl. XLVII, Civelek 2001, Cat. No: 13, Pl. 7. 24 Özver 2021, 365, Cat. No: 28. 25 Brants 1913, 42, No: 726, Pl. V; Heimerl 2001, 116, No: 238, Pl. 6. 26 Özver 2021, 374, Cat. No: 46. 27 Özver 2021, 368, Cat. No: 33. 28 Bailey 1975, 202-203, Q 474, Pl. 89; Barın 1995, 11, Cat. No: 7, Pl. 3b; Kassap-Tezgör & Sezer 1995, 124, No: 333-334; Günay-Tuluk 1996, Cat. No: 38, Pl. 7a; Civelek 2001, 86, Cat. No: 77, Pl. 14; Okunak 2005, 89, Cat. No: 21. 29 Bailey 1980, 349, Q 1341; Heimerl 2001, 176, No: 992, Pl. 121. 30 Özver 2024, 124, Cat. No: 16. 31 Özver 2024, 121, Cat. No: 1. Arzu ÖZVER & Salih SOSLU 62 Fig. 1. Lamp 1-7 Amphora: In the 2007 excavations at the necropolis of Tralleis West, an amphora was discovered featuring a high rim, a long cylindrical neck, double handles, a pronounced shoulder transition and a broad body tapering towards the base, which was fractured along with the entire base. The coating is a light red (2.5 YR 7/6) with minimal mica and grit, whereas the lining is a white (5 YR 8/1). The amphora grave, devoid of grave items, has been dated to the Roman Imperial period according to its excavation level32. Jug: This jug was discovered in the western necropolis of Tralleis, within roof tile tomb 8. The Tralleis sample features a narrow, thickened rim, a wide cylindrical neck, a spherical body, a singular vertical handle with an oval cross-section linking the neck to the body, and a low ring base. Parallel grooves are present on the neck and body. The body is pink (7.5 YR 7/4) with a minimal quantity of mica, and the lining is similarly pink (5 YR 7/4). Comparative analysis of analogous artifacts33 dates the singlehandled jug to the 4th century CE34. Cream / Cosmetic / Pharmaceutical Jar (Lykion / Lycium?): A lykion was discovered in kline 2 of the chamber tomb with dromos located in the western necropolis of Tralleis. It features a broad, thickened rim, a short concave neck, a biconical body, a low foot, and a flat base. The coating is a pale crimson (10 R 6/4) including inclusions of mica, lime, and sand. It possesses an identical slip color to the clay. The Lykion discovery was dated to the latter part of the 2nd century BCE35 based on the grave context and comparable artifacts36. Situla Two situlae and one situla lid were analysed and evaluated in the study. 32 Özver 2021, 358, Cat. No: 13. 33 Robinson 1959, M 227, Pl. 27; Vapur 2011, Cat. No: 41. 34 Özver 2021, 420, Cat. No: 138. 35 Özver 2021, 434, Cat. No: 167. 36 Sjöqvist 1960, No: 6, Pl. 20; Hershkovitz 1986, Fig. 2:3; Hayes 1991, No: 16, Fig. LVIII; Atik 1995, Fig. 21, 46; Işın 2002, 93; Özer & Doksanaltı 2017, 294. Compositional Analysis of Grave Goods from Tralleis Western Necropolis 63 Situla 1: It was discovered in trench 1 during the 2007 excavations in the western necropolis of Tralleis. It was retrieved in fragments and subsequently restored. It possesses a wide cylindrical form with an exteriorly thickened rim. Horizontal rows of grooves are present both inside and externally. The clay exhibits a bright red color (2.5 YR 7/6) and contains inclusions of mica, lime, and grit. The interior is the same color as clay. The situla grave37, devoid of grave goods, was dated to the 1st century BCE - 1st century CE based on its excavation level38. Situla 2: The additional situla discovered in trench 1 was found in pieces and subsequently restored. The object possesses a wide cylindrical form featuring an exteriorly thickened rim. Horizontal rows of grooves are present on both the interior and exterior surfaces. The clay exhibits a light red color (2.5 YR 6/8) containing mica, lime, and grit inclusions, whereas the interior layer is a lighter shade of red (2.5 YR 7/6). The situla grave39, devoid of grave objects, was dated to the 1st century BCE - 1st century CE, based on its excavation level40. Situla Lid: It was found in trench 1 is complete, with the exception of minor fractures. It possesses a round form and features a thick layer of chalk on its exterior. The clay exhibits a light red color (10 R 6/6) with inclusions of mica, lime and grit, while the lining is a light red shade (2.5 YR 7/2). The situla lid, associated with situla 1, is dated to the 1st century BCE to the 1st century CE41. Fig. 2. Amphora, Lykion, Jug, Situla 1-2, Situla Lid 37 Özkan & Atukeren 1999, 1-55, Fig. 64 a-d; Şimşek 1999, 17, Fig. 39; Baysal 2000, 34, Fig. 17; Ürkmez 2002, 12; Şimşek 2002, 233; Yurtseven 2006, 93, 102, Fig. 1-2; Şimşek, Okunak & Bilgin 2011a, 12, Fig. 17, 29, 55, Fig. 48; Cat. No: 46; Baldoni 2019, 27, Fig. 11; Güllüsaç 2018, 54, Cat. No: 32, Fig. 23, 56, Cat. No: 41, Fig. 24, 57, Cat. No: 43, Fig. 26; Foça 2019, 81-82, 88, 91, 94, 96-97, Cat. No: 81-82, 88, 91, 94, 96-97. 38 Özver 2021, 352, Cat. No: 1. 39 Özkan & Atukeren 1999, 1-55; Fig. 64 a-d; Şimşek 1999, 17, Fig. 39; Baysal 2000, 34, Fig. 17; Ürkmez 2002, 12; Şimşek 2002, 233; Yurtseven 2006, 93, 102, Fig. 1-2; Şimşek, Okunak & Bilgin 2011a, 12, Fig. 17, 29, 55, Fig. 48; Cat. No: 46; Baldoni 2019, 27, Fig. 11; Güllüsaç 2018, 54, Cat. No: 32, Fig. 23, 56, Cat. No: 41, Fig. 24, 57, Cat. No: 43, Fig. 26; Foça 2019, 81-82, 88, 91, 94, 96-97, Cat. No: 81-82, 88, 91, 94, 96-97. 40 Özver 2021, 353, Cat. No: 4. 41 Özver 2021, 352, Cat. No: 2. Arzu ÖZVER & Salih SOSLU 64 Metal Artifacts A significant quantity of metal artifacts, predominantly composed of bronze, was discovered in the western necropolis of Tralleis. The metal artifacts examined in this study include a bracelet, a ring and seven mirrors (Fig. 3). Bracelet: A bronze bracelet in the form of a simple ring was discovered in roof tile tomb 14 within the western necropolis of Tralleis. The Tralleis example was attributed to the reign of Constantius II (AD 337-361) based on analogous examples and coins found in the tomb42. Ring: The bronze ring examined for the first time in this paper was discovered intact in the southern corner of Kline 4 within the chamber tomb with dromos. The bronze ring, crafted from a singular piece, possesses a round form. The upper section of the ring is oval-shap with a flat surface. The undecorated ring has been dated to the Roman Imperial Period based on the tomb's context. Mirrors Seven bronze mirrors were found during the 2007 excavations in the Tralleis Western Necropolis area. Mirror 1: This mirror43 was discovered undamaged in the southern corner of Kline 4 within the chamber tomb with dromos. The surface of the bronze mirror, shap as a narrow rectangular plate devoid of a handle is oxidized. The bronze mirror from Tralleis has been chronologically assigned to the Roman Imperial period based on its burial context and analogous artifacts44. Mirror 2: The bronze mirror, previously unexamined, was discovered in the center of kline 4 within the chamber tomb with dromos. The surface of the bronze mirror, shaP as a thin circular plate, is oxidized. The bronze mirror was dated to the Roman Imperial Period based on the context of the tomb and analogous examples. Mirror 3: The edges of a third bronze mirror45 discovered in trench 1 are damaged. The surface of the bronze mirror, a singular thin circular plate with a little concavity, is oxidized. The bronze mirror from trench 1 was dated to the Roman Imperial Period through research and comparison46. Mirror 4: The bronze mirror examined in our study was identified as a partial bronze mirror located in the chamber tomb with dromos within Kline 5. The mirror, characterized as a slender circular plate encircled by a sequence of perforated dots borders, is attributed to the Roman Imperial Period based on its surroundings and similar artifacts. Mirror 5: It was discovered in two fragments in the southeastern section of Kline 4 within the chamber tomb with dromos. The surface of the bronze mirror47, characterized by a thin, circular, slightly concave plate, is oxidized. The discovery from the chamber tomb is attributed to the Roman Imperial Period based on the tomb’s surroundings and related examples48. Mirror 6: This previously unpublished mirror was discovered in a fragmented condition in Kline 2 within the chamber tomb with dromos. The surface of the bronze mirror, shap as a thin rectangular 42 Özver 2021, 537, Cat. No: 374. 43 Özver 2021, 539, Cat. No: 380. 44 Şahin 2010, Cat. No: B 35-B 36-B 37; Şimsek, Okunak & Bilgin, 2011 b, 674, Cat. No: 664; Çelikbaş 2016, 323, Cat. No: E 17. 45 Özver 2021, 539, Cat. No: 378. 46 McFadden 1946, Pl. XLVII/131-133; Boulter 1963, T 3; Gürler 2004, Cat. No: 35; Çelikbaş 2016, 314-318, Cat. No: E3, E5, E7-9; Şimsek, Okunak & Bilgin, 2011 b, 482, 526, 533, Cat. No: 306, 394, 416. 47 Özver 2021, 539, Cat. No: 379. 48 McFadden 1946, Pl. XLVII/131-133; Boulter 1963, T 3; Gürler 2004, Cat. No: 35; Çelikbaş 2016, Cat. No: E3, E5, E7, E8, E9; Şimsek, Okunak & Bilgin, 2011 b: Cat. No: 306, 394, 416. 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