Notes about a Greek Inscription on a Parthian Period Male Statue in the National Museum of Iran

At the Parthian section of the National Museum of Iran stands a male figure, with a Greek inscription carved into its base. Little is known about where the statue was discovered until now. Although the second line’s bottom and the beginning letters of both lines of the inscription are broken, the words can be read roughly by comparing them with similar inscriptions. The text suggests that it is an epitaph and that the statue was probably placed in a tomb as a memorial to the deceased person. The figure’s long robe and the scroll or book in his hand indicate that he was a civilian, and possibly a religious person. Another reason to associate him with Christianity is his name, which was given to one of the apostles at the beginning of Christianity. The inscription’s two-line text is almost certainly readable. Although examples of this inscription exist beyond Iran’s borders, none have been found within Iran.