In and Out of Contexts: Explaining Religious Complexity through the Banqueting Tesserae from Palmyra

Over 1,100 distinct types of banqueting tesserae from Palmyra reveal the intricate religious and social dynamics of Roman-period Palmyrene society. These tesserae, functioning as entrance tickets to religious banquets, provide unique insights into how various religious groups interacted within extended family structures through ritual dining events. The study highlights the seamless integration of Roman iconography into Palmyrene visual culture, suggesting fluid social and religious contexts where individuals transitioned between group affiliations during specific events like banquets. This research underscores the inseparability of religious and social life in Palmyra, offering a nuanced understanding of its complex societal organization.

Raja, R. (2016). In and Out of Contexts: Explaining Religious Complexity through the Banqueting Tesserae from Palmyra. Religion in the Roman Empire, 2(3), 340–371. https://doi.org/10.1628/219944616x14770583541526