AIUK45 no. 11 Dedication to Herakles

Dedication to Herakles

AIUK 4.5 (BM, Dedications) no. 11 Date: ca. 400-375 BC

[- - - ἀνέθεσ]αν Relief

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Translated text

References:

AIUK 4.5 (BM, Dedications) no. 11 (Translated text) (AIUK) (AIO)

IG II³ 4 1167 (IG Online)

Translation by: Peter Liddel, Polly Low

AIO Images: 1 2 3

Monument type: Relief

Inscription type: Dedication ([Herakles])

Findspot: Provenance unknown (BM 1973,0103.7)

Transliterations on Places on

[1] Very little is known of either the ancient or more recent history of this inscription, other than that it has some connection with Herakles, who is clearly depicted on the surviving part of the stone. His identity is confirmed by the characteristic lion-skin, draped over his left shoulder, and club, held in his left hand. The style of depiction, the “Dexioumenos” type, suggests that the monument belongs in the first quarter of the fourth century BC. Traces of the clothing of a second, probably mortal, figure are visible on the left side of the relief. The identification of this inscription as a dedication rests primarily on its physical form: a rectangular frame containing depictions of the god and other figures is a characteristic style of votive relief. Woodford ("Exemplum virtutis: a Study of Heracles in Athens in the Second Half of the Fifth Century B.C.”, PhD Columbia University (1966), 201) plausibly suggests that these scenes depict worshippers approaching the hero, presumably in order to seek or offer thanks for his assistance. They may have been the subject of the final verb of dedication. Votives of a later date offered to Herakles in thanks for his assistance include AIUK 9 (Brocklesby Park), no. 4 and AIUK 11 (Ashmolean), no. 7 (ephebic) both depicting a reclining Herakles.

For fuller discussion of this inscription see AIUK 4.5 (BM, Dedications), no. 11.

Added: 15 Mar 2022
Updated: 15 Mar 2022
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