ERC MAP - View Source #2411

View Source #2411

Direct link: https://base-map-polytheisms.huma-num.fr/source/2411

Creation : 2020-05-15 12:43:36 by Sylvain Lebreton
Latest Edition : 2021-08-21 20:07:58 by Sylvain Lebreton

Project

ERC MAP Project

Source Category

Epigraphy

Source Types

Funerary

Languages

Greek

Main Title

Epitaph of Myrrhine, first priestess of Athena Nike

Author

Material Category

Lithic

Material

Marble

Medium Category

Stele / Cippus

Medium

Stele

Text URL

https://www.atticinscriptions.com/inscription/IGI3/1330

Iconography ?

Image URL

Bibliography

Bibliographic Reference	Main Edition	Source Reference
#220 IG I ³		1330
#713 Lettering		p. 115-116
#12 SEG		12, 80 ; 16, 31 ; 29, 262 ; 32, 26 ; 36, 50 ; 44, 22 ; 56, 74
#87 BE		1953, 49 ; 1958, 189 ; 1959, 141 ; 1961, 292 ; 1980, 213
#557 GVI		1961
#88 CEG I		93
#1265 Myrrhine
#3556 Lekythos of Myrrhine
#700 GHI		179

Dating
Precision: 2

Post Quem	-430
Ante Quem	-400
Commentary	Ca. 430-400 BCE? Possibly 410-400 (cf. general commentary), but the script can suggest a slightly earlier date (Lewis & Jeffery, IG I³), closer to 425 than to 400, according to Tracy (2016); Michailidou (2020) also favours an earlier date (ca. 420). Ca. 430-400 av. n.è. ? Possiblement 410-400 (cf. commentaire général), mais l'écriture semble suggérer une date légèrement antérieure (Lewis & Jeffery, IG I³), plus proche de 425 que de 400 selon Tracy (2016) ; Michailidou (2020) plaide également en faveur d'une date haute (ca. 420).

Discovery Location
Precision: 3

Real ?	Yes
Political Entity	Athenai (Athenaios) (IACP: 361)
Region	Inland Greece
Sub-region	Attica
Place	Zographos 37.9743348, 23.7913482
Site
Topographies
Functions
Commentary	West slope of Hymettos Versant ouest de l'Hymette

Original Location

Real ?	Yes
Political Entity	Athenai (Athenaios) (IACP: 361)
Region	Inland Greece
Sub-region	Attica
Place
Site
Topographies
Functions
Commentary

Commentary

Grave epigram of Myrrhine, whose identification with the homonymous character in Aristophanes' Lysistrata seems to have reached consensus. Since this play was first performed in 411 BCE, this epitaph could be dated in the last decade of the 5th c.; however the script could suggest an earlier date (Lewis & Jeffery, IG I³).
On the priesthood of Athena Nike, appointed by lot among all the Athenian women, see Parker, Athenian Religion (1996), p. 125-127 and Lambert, Polis and Priests (2010), p. 153-156.
One point worthy of interest is the fact that the epigram names the goddess (simply) Nike on l. 4 (Testimony #3211) and Athena Nike on l. 11-12 (Testimony #3210).
Epigramme funéraire de Myrrhinè, consensuellement identifiée avec le personnage homonyme de Lysistrata d'Aristophane, créée en 411 av. n.è. : l'épitaphe pourrait donc dater de la dernière décennie du Ve s., même si l'écriture peut suggérer une date antérieure (Lewis & Jeffery, IG I³).
Sur la prêtrise d'Athéna Nikè, attribuée par tirage au sort entre toutes les Athéniennes, cf. Parker, Athenian Religion (1996), p. 125-127 et Lambert, Polis and Priests (2010), p. 153-156.
On notera, non sans intérêt, que l'épigramme nomme la déesse Nikè (tout court) à la l. 4 (Attestation #3211) et Athéna Nikè aux l. 11-12 (Attestation #3210).

Testimonies

Testimony	With restitution
#3210 l. 11-12	Ἀθηναί- ας Νίκες
#3211 l. 4	Νίκης

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