Associations in the Greco-Roman World (AGRW)

An expanding collection of inscriptions, papyri, and other sources in translation (run by Philip A. Harland)

[255] Dossier of Dionysodoros the Alexandrian (II BCE) Rhodos on Rhodes - Southeastern islands


Rhodos on Rhodes (Southeastern islands, Aegean Islands — Pleiades map), II BCE
AGRW 255 = IG XII,1 155 = Gabrielsen 1994 = PHI 138693 = AGRW ID# 1723
Copenhagen Inventory info: 10


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Rectangular altar, now in the Museo del Seminario Patriarcale of Venice (32 x 68 x 24 cm). The text of the inscription is here arranged chronologically as outlined in IG (rather than in the order presented by Dionysodoros). The original order is visible in the facsimile by Hiller von Gaertringen further below. This is among the most extensive inscriptions that documents one person’s multiple affiliations with associations of various kinds (see also the case of Timapolis in the town of Lindos on Rhodes in AGRW 250). Dionysodoros was a member and leader of the association devoted to the god Helios and the god's offspring (the Haliads), of the association devoted to Pan, and of the association devoted to the god Dionysos. At least two of these affliations lasted for decades. Towards the end of his life, he had several inscriptions (gathered here) re-engraved together.

(A) The head of the contributors (archeranistes) of the devotees of Helios and his children (Haliastai kai Haliadai), Dionysodoros the Alexandrian, benefactor, has been praised and crowned for virtue with a gold crown by the association of Dionysos-devotees (Dionysiastai); he has been honored with the title of benefactor and with freedom from service of all kinds; and, he has been crowned with two gold crowns in the reception of the Baccheia (Bakcheia) during the triennial festival by his fellow contributors (syneranistai), who have received benefactions from him.  He made a dedication to triennial festival personified and to the association (koinon).

(B) He was praised and crowned by the association of Pan-devotees (Paniastai) with a laurel crown, crowned for virtue with a gold crown made from ten gold pieces, crowned with a crown of white poplar, and honored for benefaction and with freedom from duties of all kinds on two occasions. These honors will be proclaimed perpetually in these burial-places. Since he has served as head of the contributors for 18 years, he has made the contribution-fund (eranos) increase.

(C) Since the head of the contributors, Dionysodoros the Alexandrian, benefactor, has served as head of the contributors of devotees of Helios and his children for 23 years in a row and has increased the contribution-fund (eranos), he was praised and crowned with a laurel crown by the association of devotees of Helios and his children. Also, having been crowned with a gold crown for virtue and honored for benefaction and with freedom from duties of all kinds, he dedicated this to Baccheian Dionysos and the association.

(D) When Damainetos was priest on the twelfth of Diosthyos, Boulagoras the Rhodian made the motion: Since Dionysodoros the Alexandrian, benefactor of the festal association (koinon) for 35 years, continues to be a good man in relation to the group (plēthos) of devotees of Helios and his children, and he supplied for numerous, substantial needs of the association. Therefore, in order that the devotees of Helios and his children may display that they honor good men, whether living or dead, and that they return worthy favors to the ones who choose to be benefactors of the contribution-fund (eranos) and who make a good display in everything that is done.

For good fortune! It was resolved by the association of devotees of Helios and his children, after the ratification of the proposed honor, to praise and to crown perpetually with the largest possible gold crown – in accordance with our rule regarding the size of crowns – Dionysodoros the Alexandrian, benefactor of the association. Let the secretary have the resolutions engraved, and let the head of the contributors, the appointed leaders (archontes), and, as always with these things, the ones who are chosen give attention to taking care that three obols (i.e. half a drachma) be set aside to pay for the crown at each meeting (synodos). Let the honors begin now and continue after his death. Also, in order that everything takes place according to the decree and according to the laws, let his crowning be proclaimed in the meetings on the second day after the sacred rites. The head of the contributors and those who are currently leaders should take care of this. Let the overseer (epistatēs) of the association or the sacred herald (hierokēryx) proclaim the following announcement: “The association of devotees of Helios and his children honored with a perpetual gold crown Dionysodoros the Alexandrian, benefactor of the association with a commendation. It gives to him the honors both while he is living and after his death on account of the virtue and goodwill which he continues to have both towards the common good and towards the contributors!”

When he dies, let the head of the contributors, the financial officers, and the overseers – those who are currently in leadership – receive the funds set aside for obtaining the perpetual crown. After buying a crown and a double ribbon and after making the proclamations on the second day of the meetings, let the overseer deposit the income in the assembly (syllogos) in the month following the meetings (synodoi). Also, let the secretary write into the accounts the following: “Concerning Dionysodoros the benefactor, who was crowned with a perpetual gold crown, from the sale of the crown.” The proclamations and crownings are to begin for him during the funerary rites (or: at the tombs) for the dead in the month of Hyakinthios. Likewise, the head of the contributors and the leaders, who are always chosen after (or: always taking care of) these things, should give attention to this. The leaders shall use up the amount set aside for the perpetual crown in the month of Hyakinthios each year for the crown proclaimed during the funerary rites (or: at the tombs) for his death, and let his memorial be crowned.

If they do not do everything that was commanded for them in the decree, let the one who goes against what is written pay 100 drachmas to the association (koinon). If someone is considered unrighteous by the association, let him be liable to the established law. It is permitted for a contributor to propose the penalty. Let the decree have authority for all time, and it is not permitted for leaders or for regular members to change or to write a motion, or for the ones leading to propose that there is a need to invalidate the honors granted to Dionysodoros. Let the one who writes or who proposes such things pay the written penalty of 100 drachmas, and let his motion be invalid, and let him be liable to the unalterable law.

(E) After Dionysodoros was honored with a perpetual crown with a commendation and with both a gold crown and a crown of white poplar, he (a functionary) will proclaim the honors during the meetings (synodoi) and the libations at the burial-places for all time.

Translation by: Harland



(A)

(face II, beginning at line 40)

(crown) [ἀ]ρχερανιστὰς Ἁλιαστᾶν καὶ Ἁλιαδᾶν | [Δ]ιονυσόδωρος Ἀλεξανδρεύς, εὐεργέ|τας, ἐπαινεθεὶς καὶ στεφανωθεὶς | ὑπὸ τοῦ κοινοῦ τοῦ Διονυσιαστᾶν | [ἐ]π’ ἀρετᾶι χρυσέωι στεφάνωι || καὶ τιμαθεὶς εὐεργεσίαι καὶ ἀτελείαι | πάντων καὶ στεφανωθεὶς ὑπὸ τῶν συν|[ε]ρανιστᾶν τῶν εὐεργετηθέντων | ὑπ αὐτοῦ χρυσέοις στεφάνοις | δυσὶ ἐν τᾶι τῶν Βακχείων ὑποδο||χᾶι κατὰ τριετηρίδα, ἀνέθηκε | τριετηρίσι καὶ τῶι κοινῶι.

(B)

(face III, beginning at line 74)

(two crowns) καὶ ἐπαινεθεὶς καὶ στεφανωθεὶς || ὑπὸ τοῦ κοινοῦ τοῦ Πανιαστᾶν | θαλλοῦ στεφάνωι, καὶ στεφανωθεὶς | ἐπ ἀρετᾶι χρυσέωι στεφάνωι ἀπὸ | χρυσῶν δέκα καὶ στεφανωθεὶς | πρᾶτος λευκαίας στεφάνωι καὶ τιμ[α]||θεὶς εὐεργεσίαι καὶ ἀτελείαις δυσὶ | πάντων καὶ ἀναγορεύσει τᾶν τιμᾶν | ἐπὶ τῶν τόπων εἰς τὸν ἀεὶ χρόνον | καὶ ἀρχερανιστήσας ἔτη δέκα ὀκτὼ | ἐπαύξησε τὸν ἔρανον.

(C)

(face IV, beginning at line 105)

(two crowns) ἀρχερανιστὰς | Διονυσόδωρος Ἀλεξανδρεύς, εὐεργέτας, | ἀρχερανιστήσας Ἁλιαστᾶν καὶ | Ἁλιαδᾶν ἔτη κη’ ἑξὰν καὶ ἐπαυξήσας | τὸν ἔρανον ἐπαινέθη καὶ ἐστεφανώθη || ὑπὸ τοῦ κοινοῦ τοῦ Ἁλιαστᾶν καὶ Ἁλιαδᾶν | πρᾶτος θαλλοῦ στεφάνωι, καὶ | στεφανωθεὶς ἐπ ἀρετᾶι χρυσέωι | στεφάνωι καὶ τιμαθεὶς εὐεργεσίαι | καὶ ἀτελείαι πάντων, ἀνέθηκε || [Διο]νύσωι Βακχείωι καὶ τῶι κοινῶι.

(D)

(face I, beginning at line 1)

[ἐ]π ἰερέως Δαμαινέτου, Διοσθύου δωδεκά|ται, Βουλαγόρας Ῥόδιος εἶπε· ἐπειδὴ | [Δ]ιονυσόδωρος Ἀλεξανδρεὺς εὐεργέτ[ας] | τοῦ κοινοῦ ἐρανίζων ἔτη τριάκοντα || πέντε ἀνὴρ ἀγαθὸς ὢν διατελεῖ περὶ τ[ὸ] | πλῆθος τὸ Ἁλιαδᾶν καὶ [Ἁλια]στᾶν, καὶ πο[λ]|λὰς καὶ μεγάλας χρείας παρείσχηται τῶι κ[οι]|νῶι· ὅπως οὖν καὶ Ἁλιάδαι καὶ Ἁλιασταὶ τοὺ[ς] | ἀγαθοὺς ἄνδρας καὶ ζῶντας καὶ μεταλλ[ά]|ξαντας τὸν βίον φαίνωνται τιμοῦντες κ[αὶ] || καταξίας χάριτας ἀποδιδόντες τοῖς προα[ι]|ρουμένοις εὐεργετεῖν τὸν ἔρανον καὶ καλ[ὰν] | [ἀ]πόδειξιν ἐμ πᾶσι πεποιημένοις· τύχαι | [ἀ]γαθᾶι δεδόχθαι τῶι κοινῶι τῶι Ἁλιαδᾶν κα[ὶ Ἀ]|λιαστᾶν, κυρωθεισᾶν τᾶνδε τᾶν τιμᾶν, ἐπα[ινέ]||σαι καὶ στεφανῶσαι Διονυσόδωρον Ἀλεξα[ν]|δρῆ εὐεργέταν τοῦ κοινοῦ εἰς τὸν ἀεὶ χρόν[ον] | χρυσέωι στεφάνωι τῶι ἐκ τοῦ νόμου μεγίστω[ι]· | καὶ ὁ γραμματεὺς ἀναγραψάτω τὰ δόξαντα, | ὁ δὲ ἀρχερανιστὰς καὶ τοὶ ἄρχοντες οἵ τε ἐν[ε]||στακότες καὶ οἱ μετὰ ταῦτα ἀεὶ αἱρούμενοι ἐπ[ι]|μέλειαν ποιείσθωσαν, ὅπως ἐξαιρῆται αὐτῶ[ι] | εἰς στέφανον καθ ἑκάσταν σύνοδον τριώβολο[ν]· | ὑπαρχέτω δὲ αὐτῶι τὰ τίμια καὶ μεταλλάξα[ν]|τι τὸν βίον. καὶ ὅπως ἕκαστα γίνηται κατὰ τόδ[ε] || τὸ ψάφισμα καὶ κατὰ τοὺς νόμους καὶ ἀναγο|[ρ]εύηται ἁ στεφάνωσις αὐτοῦ ἐν ταῖς συνό|δοις τᾶι δεύτερον ἁμέραι μετὰ τὰ ἱερά, ἐπιμέλει|[α]ν ποιείσθων ὅ τε ἀρχερανιστὰς καὶ τοὶ ἄρχον|τες ἀεὶ τοὶ ἐν ἀρχᾶι ἐόντες. καὶ ὁ ἐπιστάτας τοῦ || κοινοῦ ἢ ὁ ἱεροκᾶρυξ ἀναγορευέτω τὸ κάρυ|γμα τόδε· τὸ κοινὸν τὸ Ἁλιαδᾶν καὶ Ἁλιαστᾶν | ἐτίμασε εἰς τὸν ἀεὶ χρόνον Διονυσόδωρον | Ἀλεξανδρῆ εὐεργέταν τοῦ κοινοῦ ἐπαίνωι, | χρυσέωι στεφάνωι, δίδωτι δὲ αὐτῶι τὰς τι||μὰς καὶ ζῶντι καὶ μεταλλάξαντι τὸν βίον | ἀρετᾶς ἕνεκα καὶ εὐνοίας, ἇν ἔχων διατελεῖ | εἴς τε τὰ κοινὰ καὶ τοὺς αὐτοῦ ἐρανιστάς. ἐπε[ὶ] | δέ κα μεταλλάξῃ τὸν βίον, τὸ ἐξαιρούμενον

(face II, beginning at line 52)

αὐτῶι εἰς τὸν στέφανον εἰς τὸν ἀ|εὶ χρόνον λανβανόντω ὅ τε ἀρχε|ρανιστὰς καὶ τοὶ λογισταὶ καὶ ὁ ἐπι||στάτας, οἵ κα ἀεὶ ἐν ἀρχᾶι ἔωντι· καὶ | πριάσθων στέφανον καὶ διλήμνιον | καὶ ἀναγορεύσαντες τᾶι δεύτερον | ἁμέραι τᾶν συνόδων ἀποδόσθων κα[ὶ] | [τ]ὸ εὑρὸν καταβαλέτω εἰς τὸ κοινὸν || ὁ ἐπιστάτας ἐν τῶι συλλόγωι ἐν τῶι | ἐχομένωι μηνὶ τᾶν συνόδων, καὶ ὁ | γραμματεὺς ἀναγραψάτω εἰς τοὺς | ἀπολόγους· Διονυσοδώρου εὐεργέ|τα στεφανωθέντος χρυσέωι στε||φάνωι εἰς τὸν ἀεὶ χρόνον, στεφάνου | τοῦ πραθέντος. ὑπάρχειν δὲ αὐτῶι | τὰν ἀναγόρευσιν καὶ στεφάνωσιν | καὶ ἐπὶ τῶν τάφων ἐμ μηνὶ Ὑακινθί|ωι καὶ μεταλλάξαντι τὸν βίον, καὶ || ποείσθων τὰν ἐπιμέλειαν ὁμοίως | ὅ τε ἀρχερανιστὰς καὶ τοὶ ἄρχοντες | οἱ μετὰ ταῦτα ἀεὶ αἱρούμενοι· τὸ δὲ ἐ|ξαιρούμενον αὐτῶι ἐν τῶι μηνὶ

(face III, beginning at line 85)

τῶι Ὑακινθίωι εἰς στέφανον εἰς τὸν ἀεὶ χρόνον | καταχρείσθων τοὶ ἄρχοντες καθ ἕκαστον | ἐνιαυτὸν εἰς τὸν στέφανον τὸν ἀναγορευό|μενον ἐπὶ τάφοις μεταλλάξαντος αὐτοῦ | τὸν βίον, καὶ στεφανούντω αὐτοῦ τὸ μναμεῖον. || ὅτι δέ κα μὴ ποιήσωντι κατὰ τόδε τὸ ψάφισμα οἷς | ἕκαστα ποτιτέτακται, ὀφειλέτω τῶι κοινῶι ὁ μὴ | πράξας τι τῶν γεγραμμένων δραχμὰς ἑκατόν, | ἔνοχος δ ἔστω καὶ τῶι νόμωι <ὃ>ς κεῖται, εἴ τίς κα | κοινὸν ἀδικῇ, καὶ ἐξέστω τῶι χρήζ<ο>ντι τῶν [ἐ]||ρανιστᾶν ἀπογράψαι αὐτὸν τὸ ἐπιτίμιον. τ[ὸ] | δὲ ψάφισμα τόδ[ε κ]ύριον ἔστω εἰς τὸν ἀεὶ χρό|νον, καὶ μὴ ἐξέστω μήτε ἄρχοντι μήτε ἰδι|ώται μήτε κινεῖν μήτε γνώμαν γράψασθαι | μήτε τοῖς ἄρχουσι προτιθέμειν, ὡς δεῖ τὰς δ[ε]||δομένας τιμὰς Διονυσοδώρωι ἀκύρους εἴμ|μειν· ἢ ὁ γράψας ἢ ὁ προθεὶς ἀποτεισάτω τὸ γε|γραμμένον ἐπιτίμιον δραχμὰς ἑκατόν, καὶ ἁ γνώμ[α] | [α]ὐτοῦ ἄκυρος ἔστω, καὶ ἔνοχος ἔστω τῶι νό||μωι τῶι ἀκινήτωι.

(E)

(face IV, beginning at line 116)

καὶ τιμαθεὶς εἰς τὸν ἀεὶ χρόνον | ἐπαίνωι, χρυσέωι στεφάνωι | [κ]αὶ λευκαίας στεφάνωι κα[ὶ] | ἀναγορεύσει τᾶν τιμᾶν || ἐν ταῖς συνόδοις καὶ ταῖς | ἐπιχύσεσι ἐπὶ τῶν τόπων | εἰς τὸν ἀεὶ χρόνον.

IG XII,1 155, face I: Facsimile by Hiller von Gaertringen.
Public domain.

 

IG XII,1 155, face II.

IG XII,1 155, face III.

IG XII,1 155, face IV.

Item added: March 2, 2012
Item modified: February 23, 2021
ID number: 1723
Short link address:
http://www.philipharland.com/greco-roman-associations/?p=1723

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