This dissertation is a study of monumental tomb architecture constructed in Asia Minor during the Roman Imperial period. The majority of these tombs are located in the regions of Lycia, Pamphylia, Cilicia, and Pisidia, although there are representative examples from the province of Asia. A number of the tombs are built on tall podia, an architectural characteristic which may originate in the tomb architecture of pre-Roman Anatolia. Due to the incorporation of numerous features associated with religious architecture both of the east and the west, the term "temple tomb" is adopted in the study.

The tombs are discussed by region, and local characteristics are demonstrated, resulting in a regional typological series. In many cases, tomb architecture reflects developments in contemporary monumental Imperial commissions. It is also demonstrated that local construction techniques based on the availability of materials influenced the resulting form of the tomb.

In addition to these practical considerations, the question of the status of the tomb's patron is also addressed. In most cases, the identity of the patron can only be determined when epigraphical evidence is present. The funerary inscriptions discussed not only reveal the identity of the patron, but also often contain injunctions against illegal burial (burial of others than those stipulated in the inscription) and impose appropriate fines to be paid in the case of violation. Thus they provide important evidence for the connection between the deceased and the living members of the community. The inscriptions also provide evidence of the role of women as tomb patrons.

The location of a number of tombs within city limits is also discussed, suggesting that the inhabitants of Asia Minor in the Roman Imperial period were not constrained by the prohibitions against intramural burial which prevailed in the west.