The Roman epigraphic collection of 17th century antiquarian Ferenc Lugossy from Petreștii de Jos (Cluj County)

The question of Roman epigraphic and antiquities collections in Transylvania is typically associated with the antiquarian activity of the local aristocracy during the 19th century, especially the “ruin parks” set up on their country estates. The beginnings of these antiquarian endeavours however date back to much earlier times, being linked to the circle of humanist church intellectuals active in Alba Iulia/Gyulafehérvár starting with the 15th century. The collection founded by Ferenc Lugossy, prominent member of the Transylvanian princely court during the second half of the 17th century, can be regarded as a later manifestation of the aforementioned humanist tradition, even though it was established at his estate in Petreștii de Jos/Magyarpeterd, situated at the foot of the Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii/Tordai‑hasadék), rather than the princely capital. The sources indicate that we are dealing with one of the most important, if not the most important local Roman stone monument collections of the time. Documents also inform us that following the death of its founder – probably in 1692 – the collection swiftly began to disintegrate, and by the beginning of the 20th century it had completely ceased to exist, the monuments being either taken away or used as construction material by the locals. The present paper is an attempt to reconstruct the history and original composition of this important collection.

The Stela of the Laws of Hammurabi and the Representation of Political Power

This chapter explains how the Stela (stone monument) of the Laws of Hammurabi was employed as a manifestation of political power. A royal investiture scene is at the top of the Stela, and the artist manipulated the imagery cleverly to enhance the legitimacy and authority of Hammurabi. Standard imagery is skillfully reconfigured to exalt him. The king stands alone before Shamash, the god of justice, and the direct gaze between them symbolizes their close bond and the near equality of their status. Other elements in the imagery vividly promoted the message that Hammurabi had been exalted and authorized as king by the gods. It is not surprising, then, that a number of stelas inscribed with the Laws of Hammurabi were set up. Ironically, the Stela itself was seized centuries later by another king wanting to manifest his authority, and then by a modern state displaying its cultural power.

Tempo of a Mega-henge: A New Chronology for Mount Pleasant, Dorchester, Dorset

Radiocarbon dating and Bayesian chronological modelling have provided precise new dating for the henge monument of Mount Pleasant in Dorset, excavated in 1970–1. A total of 59 radiocarbon dates are now available for the site and modelling of these has provided a revised sequence for the henge enclosure and its various constituent parts: the timber palisaded enclosure, the Conquer Barrow, and the ditch surrounding Site IV, a concentric timber and stone monument. This suggests that the henge was probably built in the 26th century cal bc, shortly followed by the timber palisade and Site IV ditch. These major construction events took place in the late Neolithic over a relatively short timespan, probably lasting 35–125 years. The principal results are discussed for each element of the site, including comparison with similar monument types elsewhere in Britain and Ireland, and wider implications for late Neolithic connections and later activity at the site associated with Beaker pottery are explored.