and it is to have the status of law

Written by thehouseofvines

This lex sacra from a temple in Teos could serve as a model for the Hymnōdai:

The boule and demos have resolved that the ephebes and the priest of the paides are to sing hymns every day at the opening of the temple of Dionysos, the leading God of our city. And at the closing of the temple of the God the priest of Tiberius Caesar is to make libations, burn incense, and light lamps; expenses are to be paid from the sacred revenues of Dionysos. And the archons of the city are to always sacrifice at the beginning of each month and on the seventh day pray for the success of the city. But if any person offends any of these requirements, that person is asebes. And this decree is to be engraved in the sanctuary of Dionysos and it is to have the status of law. (SEG XV.718)

3 thoughts on “and it is to have the status of law”

  1. Side question: when they say “priest of Tiberius Caesar” do they mean priests sent by Tiberius Caesar or priests operating a cult in honor of Tiberius as a deified ruler? I think it might be the latter. If so, it’s really neat to see Dionysos intermingle with the Imperial Cult

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    1. During this period most of the Dionysiac associations (at least that we have information on) consisted of the wealthy, powerful and elite, especially in the Greek cities of Asia Minor and the Eastern part of the Empire more generally. Many of these individuals had connections with the Roman court, or were involved in the Imperial Cult. Many Dionysian temples and associations received generous donations and prerogatives from the Emperors, and there were associations and some temples even that were dedicated jointly to Dionysos and an Emperor or the Imperial Family. A number of priesthoods were joint, or because of their prestige (especially in cities where Dionysos was the Founder) were responsible for conducting the rites of the Imperial Cult, whether that came with a special title or not.

      None of which would please the “Dionysos is an anarcho-communist, maaaaan” crowd.

      Ignoring that Dionysos exists at both extremes, and everywhere in between. He is bigger than our small grey matter is capable of conceiving of.

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