IGII34 1250 Dedication to Zeus Hypsistos by Julia Asklepiane

Dedication to Zeus Hypsistos by Julia Asklepiane

IG II³ 4 1250 Date: 2nd cent. AD

Statue of eagle For Good Fortune, Julia Asklepiane, to the god Hypsistos on behalf of her son Maximus, set up this thank-offering. ^[1] capital

Previous - IG II³ 4 1249 Next - IG II³ 4 1251

References:

IG II³ 4 1250 (Translated text) (IG Online)

IG II² 4782 (PHI)

Translation by: Peter Liddel

Monument type: Capital

Inscription type: Dedication (private, Hypsistos)

Findspot: Acropolis (South Slope) (NM 2388)

Transliterations on Places on

[1] This is one of a number of imperial period dedications to Zeus Hypsistos (“Zeus The All High”) deriving possibly from the former site of the Athenian Assembly on the Pnyx. For other such dedications see AIUK 4.5 no. 13, with notes. Many of them take the form of anatomical votives. This example, however, consists of a sculpture representing an eagle perched upon an architectural capital, the uppermost part of which represents a tabula ansata which bears an inscription. Eagles were often associated with Zeus, e.g. Iliad 24.308-16 where they are described as birds of omen and messengers of Zeus. This dedication is notable also for its use of the term “thank-offering” (eucharistērion), which makes it explicit that thanks are being offered to the god for help already received (cf. AIUK 4.5 nos 19 and 22). The word “vow” (euchē) is more common in this form of dedication, but is also more ambiguous as to whether it seeks or follows the intervention of the god.

Added: 15 Mar 2022
Updated: 28 Mar 2024
Feedback

ID: AIO_2264