Özet:

In this study, an Eros statue found during the researches under the direction of Prof. Dr. A. Yaylalı in Tralleis in 2007 is discussed. The ruins of the ancient city Tralleis are located within the boundaries of Caria, today in the Topyatağı area of the city Aydın. In the studies carried out, detailed information on the BathGymnasium complex, housing zones, necropolis and other constructions of the city could be gathered. The statue evaluated in the scope of this study was found during the surface researches carried out within the boundaries of west necropolis of the city, in an area near the Aydın Gendarmerie Training Battalion, which covers a large part of the ancient city. It is understood that the work standing upside down on the surface remained uncovered for many years so that some parts of it was damaged during the plowing of the land. The Eros statue is carved out of spongy white marble; the hands, the part below the waist and the pedestal on which it sat are broken. The typological characteristics and the position of the statue show that Eros is sleeping whilst sitting on a pedestal. Although the part below the waist is broken, the typology of the statue was determined by comparing it with similar examples: As a result, the Eros was sitting probably on a pedestal or base, with a raised right leg and a bended knee; the figure was sleeping by folding its hands on its right knee and leaning its head on it. According to its preserved features, Eros was given the appearance of a four or five year old child. The sleeping Eros type in a sitting position, of which the first examples were seen in the terracotta figurines of the 5th century B.C. and in the free standing statues in the 4th century, was fondly used in Hellenistic and Roman Imperial Periods. The type of which a great number of replics are produced in the Roman Imperial Period was preferred especially for tombs and tomb reliefs. By adding a bow, torch, and a bunch of poppy to the figures they were named as Hypnos – Somnus. Those figures were iconographically interpreted as symbolizing the temporary deep sleep, the ending of life, and life after death. The stylistic and typological examinations show that the Tralleis statue reflects the style of the Flavian Period. The type and position of this fragment is compared with contemporary statues in other centers and contexts

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