AIUK9 no. 2 Funerary monument for Moschos

Funerary monument for Moschos

AIUK 9 (Brocklesby Park) no. 2 Date: ca. 400-320 BC

Moschos^[1] Relief

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Greek text

References:

AIUK 9 (Brocklesby Park) no. 2 (Translated text) (AIO) (AIUK)

IG II² 12178 (PHI)

Conze I no. 367

Clairmont, CAT 2.883a

Translation by: Peter Liddel, Polly Low

AIO Images: 1 2

Monument type: Uncertain

Inscription type: Funerary

Findspot: Kerameikos (?) (Brocklesby no. 67)

Transliterations on Places on

[1] This inscription is a fragment of a funerary monument. The original form of the monument is uncertain, but the convex shape of the surviving fragment suggests that it formed part of a stone vessel (a lekythos or loutrophoros). The inscription is decorated with a relief, depicting an elderly bearded male – Moschos – followed by a small figure (probably a slave). The man clasps the hand of a seated figure in dexiosis. This is a common gesture on funerary monuments and symbolises a connection between individuals, unbroken by death. Because the seated figure is only partially preserved, we cannot tell if it was a male (in which case, it might have been Moschos’ brother or cousin) or female (in which case, it is likely that it depicted Moschos’ wife).
Nothing else is known about Moschos, but the fact that he is not given a demotic in this monument need not indicate that he was not an Athenian citizen. The use of demotics and patronymics was never universal practice in Athenian grave monuments; moreover, if this monument was set up within a family peribolos, it is likely that other inscribed objects would have clarified Moschos’ status and familial relationships.
The style of lettering and relief suggest that the monument belongs to the fourth century, but it is not possible to give a more precise date.
For fuller discussion of this monument, see AIUK 9 (Brocklesby), no. 2. On the Attic inscriptions at Brocklesby see AIUK 9.

Added: 3 Nov 2020
Updated: 29 Mar 2022
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