Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
JOURNAL OF NEAR EASTERN STUDIES, cilt.84, sa.2, ss.333-347, 2025 (AHCI)
The discovery of a bronze trumpet during the 2013 excavations at the Tepecik Settlement in Patara, ancient Lycia, offers significant insights into the military and cultural history of the region during the 4th century bc. Found within the destruction layer of the Hecatomnid-era North Bastion at the site, the trumpet is a rare example of ancient military signaling devices. Its design, material composition, and functional characteristics closely resemble the Persian trumpet discovered at Persepolis, suggesting a shared technological and cultural tradition. Stratigraphic evidence, along with associated finds such as ceramics, terracottas, and coins, dates the destruction of the bastion to the second half of the 4th century bc, likely during Alexander the Great’s conquest. The trumpet’s presence highlights the strategic importance of Patara as a fortified settlement under Hecatomnid rule and its integration into the broader Achaemenid military framework. This study situates the trumpet within the context of ancient Near Eastern and Lycian military practices, emphasizing its role in military communication and coordination. The findings contribute to our understanding of the cultural and political dynamics of Lycia during this transformative period.