Translated Eastern Roman Marble Funerary Stela w/ Names

Roman, Northern Africa or Holy Land, Hellenized Eastern Empire, late Imperial Period to early Byzantine Empire, ca. 4th to 6th century CE. An interesting example of a hand-carved marble stela of a distinct phallic form with a flat base, a rectangular lower body, an ovoid upper body that gently tapers, and a hemispherical top section. The top of the stela bears traces of incised details, perhaps of religious imagery or a religious figure like Jesus Christ, and centered of the front is perhaps a section of a face with a tapered chin and a single petite eye. The obverse face of the lower body is inscribed with a condense statement listing two names; when translated the stela reads, "Miltiades Christios and Adys, who lived for years." Below the inscription are the symbols for delta and beta that perhaps represent a number coinciding with the death year of Miltiades Christios and Adys. Size: 4.7" W x 10.875" H (11.9 cm x 27.6 cm)

Provenance: private Dallas, Texas, USA collection, acquired in 1992; ex-Civilization Gallery

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#153137
Condition Report: Losses to areas of top section and lower body as shown. Nicks and abrasions to lower body, upper body, and top, with softening to some inscribed characters, and light encrustations. Nice earthen deposits throughout. Inscription is still legible.