Epigram on Initiation into the Rites of Dionysos (II-I BCE)

Halikarnassos (Caria, Asia Minor — Pleiades map), I-II CE
SEG 28 (1978), no. 841 = GIBM IV 909 = SEG 28 (1978), no. 841 = PHI 258108 = AGRW ID# 10995

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Rectangular column of marble with an inscription near the top, now in the British Museum, inv. 1865,1211.18 (64 x 24 x 20 cm). Found near the tomb of Maussolos. This may be from the entrance to a sanctuary of the god Dionysos.

. . . the form of Bromios (“Thunderer”) and the . . . initiation rites (teletai) of the god (?), . . . so that, . . . once you participate (?) . . . in the sacred bath, you might know that being an initiate (mystēs) is the whole story of one’s whole life, knowing to keep silent about whatever is concealed and to shout whatever is customary to shout. Learning these rites (orgia), you may approach.

Translation by: Harland

[- - -] | [κ]α̣ὶ μο̣ρφὰν Βρομίου τὰς [τελετάς τε θεοῦ,] | ὄφρα σὺ γινώσκηις ἱεροῦ̣ λουτ̣[ροῖο μετασχών] | πάντα λόγον μύστην παντὸς ἐόντα βίου, || καὶ σιγᾶν ὅ τι κρυπτὸν ἐπιστάμενος καὶ ἀϋτεῖν | ὅσσα θέμις, στείχηις ὄργια ταῦτα μαθών.

Item added: February 23, 2013
Item modified: November 30, 2018
ID number: 10995
Short link address:
http://www.philipharland.com/greco-roman-associations/?p=10995

Category: 3) Asia Minor, c) 2nd century BCE, d) 1st century BCE, d) Group with a deity in its name (e.g. Demetriasts), Dionysos, Epigram / poem, g) Caria, i) Images of monuments or buildings, Mysteries or initiations / initiates

Associations in the Greco-Roman World (AGRW)

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

Epigram on Initiation into the Rites of Dionysos (II-I BCE) ║ Halikarnassos - Caria

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