Axon Iscrizioni storiche greche

Journal | Axon
Monographic journal issue | 3 | 2 | 2019
Research Article | Ethnic Exclusions in Greek Cultic Regulations: The Paros Rule ( IG XII 5, 225)

Ethnic Exclusions in Greek Cultic Regulations: The Paros Rule ( IG XII 5, 225)

Abstract

This study aims to examine a well-known inscription (IG XII.5, 225) dated to the mid-fifth century BC and found in Paroikia, near the acropolis of the ancient polis of Paros. It shows a typical formula of access limitation to local cults: according to most scholars, the cult in question is to be identified with the worship of Kore Astos (the Citizen), who is mentioned in the second line. The Dorians are excluded from this cult, as is shown by the expression (xenoi Dorie) appearing at the beginning of the text in a very relevant position. On the basis of a close comparison between this text and other epigraphs as well as literary documents containing proscriptions which prevent foreigners from participating in cults, it can be concluded that our text offers the only known example of such a limitation pertaining a specific ethnos. The reason for this rule established in Paros lies in the background of the Pentecontaetia, when political relations between Athens and its allies against the Dorians were bolstered not only politically, but also through cultual practices. Kore was a pivotal deity in strengthening the sense of sharing cultural traits in both Parioi and Athenians; perhaps it is for this reason that those people who did not belong to the Ionian ethnos (the Dorians first) were excluded from this cult.


Open access | Peer reviewed

Submitted: Oct. 5, 2019 | Accepted: Oct. 13, 2019 | Published Dec. 23, 2019 | Language: it

Keywords Xenoi • Dorians • Paros • Athens • Cultural norms • Kore

Copyright © 2019 Roberto Sammartano. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/Axon/2532-6848/2019/06/022


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