Ricerc@Sapienza

The paper focuses on the epigraphic evidence of the excavations in the so-called Temple A. They contribute to our knowledge of late antiquity, not only in Laodicea but also in the entire province of Phrygia. Significantly, they testify to the importance of pagan cults and, accordingly, of civic praise of emperors, to the exercise of power. Epigraphic evidence ranges from the first tetrarchy to Constantine’s reign. The newly discovered documents attest the names of new governors and confirm that they came all from the equestrian order (perfectissimi), according to a custom inaugurated by Gallien and consolidated by Diocletian in a good number of new provinces, including Phrygia. From the examined evidence one can assume that Laodicea played a relevant role in the administration of Phrygia. The renovation of temples reflects the importance of traditional cults to the exercise of imperial power. Local communities usually reserved divine honors to the emperors.