DOCSLIB.ORG

Alexander, Midas, and the Oracle at Gordium Author(S): Ernest A. Fredricksmeyer Source: Classical Philology, Vol. 56, No. 3 (Jul., 1961), Pp

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Alexander, Midas, and the Oracle at Gordium Author(S): Ernest A. Fredricksmeyer Source: Classical Philology, Vol. 56, No. 3 (Jul., 1961), Pp Alexander, Midas, and the Oracle at Gordium Author(s): Ernest A. Fredricksmeyer Source: Classical Philology, Vol. 56, No. 3 (Jul., 1961), pp. 160-168 Published by: The University of Chicago Press Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/265752 Accessed: 24/01/2009 15:23 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use, available at http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp. JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use provides, in part, that unless you have obtained prior permission, you may not download an entire issue of a journal or multiple copies of articles, and you may use content in the JSTOR archive only for your personal, non-commercial use. Please contact the publisher regarding any further use of this work. Publisher contact information may be obtained at http://www.jstor.org/action/showPublisher?publisherCode=ucpress. Each copy of any part of a JSTOR transmission must contain the same copyright notice that appears on the screen or printed page of such transmission. JSTOR is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1995 to build trusted digital archives for scholarship. We work with the scholarly community to preserve their work and the materials they rely upon, and to build a common research platform that promotes the discovery and use of these resources. For more information about JSTOR, please contact [email protected]. The University of Chicago Press is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Classical Philology. http://www.jstor.org ALEXANDER, MIDAS, AND THE ORACLE AT GORDIUM1 ERNEST A. FREDRICKSMEYER IN THE spring of 333 B.C., at Gor- tion, had been told by an oracle that dium, the capital of Phrygia, an they stood in need of a king and that oracle identified Alexander as the they should acclaim as such the man destined ruler over Asia. The purpose of they first found driving up in a wagon. this study is to examine this incident There arrived a Phrygian peasant riding and to appraise the importance which in a wagon; they made him king; and it had for Alexander. he dedicated the wagon as thank offering Alexander arrived at Gordium in the to Zeus the King. spring of 333. On the acropolis, in the The accounts of the two writers temple of Zeus Basileus, stood an differ in several details. The main ancient' wagon dedicated to this god. disagreement, however, is on the name An old oracle was known to the of the man who became king and Phrygian people that the man who dedicated the wagon to Zeus: according would undo the knot attached to the to Justin it was Gordius the father of yoke of this wagon would become lord Midas, according to Arrian (cf. Plut. over Asia. The knot was formed by the Alex. 18. 1; Curt. 3. 1. 11 and 14; cord which latched the yoke to the pole Aelian. NA 13. 1) it was Midas himself.5 of the wagon. Alexander drew out the It is impossible to determine which wooden pole pin, the end (or ends) of version is older. This much is certain: the cord thereby became exposed, and there existed a Phrygian legend which he was able to untie the knot.2 regarded Midas as the first king in W. W. Tarn (Alexander the Great, II Phrygia and as the dedicator of the [Cambridge, 19481, 262ff.) has shown wagon.6 Alexander, too, believed, as we that this version of how Alexander dealt shall see, that the man was Midas, not with the knot, reported by Aristobulus,3 Gordius. is probably the correct one, not the Now, in Macedonia there existed vulgate account which has him cut the some traditions relevant to the Phrygian knot with his sword.4 tradition. The Phrygians apparently In either case, so the historian Arrian considered themselves autochthonous, (2. 3. 8) reports, on leaving the wagon and they believed the founder of the Alexander apparently believed that he Phrygian dynasty was a native of had duly met the condition of the Phrygia, the peasant who had arrived oracle; he regarded a thunderstorm in the wagon. But in Macedonia, He- which occurred that night as divine rodotus (7. 73) reports, there was the confirmation, and on the following day tradition that the Phrygians had once he performed a sacrifice in thanks- been neighbors of the Macedonians, giving. that they later emigrated to Asia and Arrian (2. 3. 2-6; cf. 2. 3. 1) and changed their name from Brigians to Justin-Trogus (11. 7. 5-14) relate this Phrygians. Strabo (7. Frag. 25) says that legend about the earlier history of the these Brigians, before crossing to Asia, wagon: The Phrygians, during a revolu- occupied the area of Mount Bermium [CLASSICALPHILOLOGY, LVI, July, 1961] 160 ALEXANDER,MIDAS, AND THE ORACLEAT GORDIUM 161 (actually, the Bermium was a mountain off Midas and other kings who had held range).7 parts of the country. In speaking of We further learn from Herodotus Caranus, then, as the Argead con- (8. 138) that Macedonian legend told queror of Macedonia, Trogus12 is giving of an ancient king in Macedonia named us genuine Macedonian tradition. It is "Midas son of Gordias [Gordius]"8 first reported by Theopompus (FGrH, whose famous rose gardens were situated No. 115, Frag. 393). What Theopompus at the foot of Mount Bermium. Obvi- said about Caranus can be inferred from ously, Midas was the king of the the parallels of Justin 7. 1. 7 f. with Brigians. Euphorion Frag. 30 Scheidw. (schol. Possibly there was even then a Mace- Clem. Alex. Protr. 8. 11.).13 Since donian tradition, which Herodotus Euphorion (loc. cit.) also mentions knew, that Midas joined his people in Midas in connection with Caranus' their migration from Macedonia to settlement of Macedonia, we may infer Asia. Describing the conquest of Mace- that Theopompus did the same. But donia by Perdiccas and his brothers, Euphorion, as cited, differs greatly Herodotus (loc. cit.) says that "they from Trogus in what he has to say came to another part of Macedonia and about Midas. After stating that Caranus settled near the gardens said to be those changed the name of Edessa to Aegae of Midas son of Gordias" (o'cx-rjav t6?Xoc he says that Edessa was inhabited of Tcov X7tOV T ,V ZXyoeVGV mivalxMsaL)o old by Phrygians and Lydians and Tro rFopSco) and that "after winning those who had crossed over to Europe that part of the country they went with Midas. Thus according to Eupho- forth and subdued also the rest of rion the migration of Midas took place Macedonia." As the tense of XcyozLevov in the direction opposite to that indi- shows, the gardens apparently were cated by Trogus. But this notion, that said to belong to Midas at the time Midas moved from Asia to Europe, is when Perdiccas and his brothers settled found only in a few late and secondary near them.9 Perhaps Herodotus in accounts (see Eitrem, RE, XV [1932], speaking of the Phrygians as "neighbors 1526). The information of Trogus, on of the Macedonians" was not thinking the other hand, harmonizes with the of the "Macedonians" in the strict sense, old established Macedonian tradition as the conquerors from Argos, but in a that the Phrygians migrated from general sense, as the people already Macedonia to Asia (Herodotus). It is dwelling in the area. If so, it is possible obvious, therefore, that it is not that Macedonian tradition at Herod- Euphorion who reflects what Theo- otus' time had it that Midas and the pompus had to say about Midas, but Brigians moved to Asia when they were rather Trogus.14It is extremely probable, dislodged from Macedonia by the then, that Trogus' statement that Argead conqueror.10 Midas was ejected from Macedonia Till the beginning of the fourth belongs to an old Macedonian tradition century, the Macedonian tradition was that Midas together with his Brigians that the name of this conqueror was migrated from Macedonia to Asia.15 Perdiccas; then the name Caranus The mythographer Conon (fl. 36 supplanted Perdiccas.11 Justin-Trogus B.C.-A.D. 17), SO Photius tells us,16 (7. 1. 11) states that Caranus gained narrated how Midas ruled over the possession of Macedonia after driving Brigians, and how this people lived in 162 ERNESTA. FREDRICKSMEYER great numbers at the foot of Mount did he discuss, in the first book, the Bermium, and how, during Midas' knot which Alexander undid at Gor- reign, Silenus was seen near the Ber- dium ? Clearly because in treating early mium range, and how, when everything Macedonian history he described the turned to gold for Midas, he persuaded career of King Midas and his journey his subjects to cross the Hellespont to from Macedonia to Phrygia; this gave Asia, and how then their name changed him occasion to touch on Alexander's from Brigians to Phrygians. undoing of the knot since it was The reason given here for the mi- attached to the wagon which had gration is a late invention (see Eitrem, served Midas on his journey. Thus, op. cit., 1530). As for the rest, the Marsyas knew the Macedonian tradition parallels with what is expressly reported about the journey of Midas from by Herodotus as Macedonian legend are Macedonia to Asia; he also believed striking: King Midas, the Brigians, the that the wagon referred to in the oracle migration of the Brigians from Europe about the rule over Asia was the same to Asia, the change of their name from which Midas had used on his journey.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 'Stupid Midas'
    ‘Stupid Midas’ Visualising Musical Judgement and Tim Shephard Patrick McMahon Moral Judgement in Italy ca.1520 University of Sheffield 1. Musical Judgement and Moral Judgement 3. A) Cima da Conegliano, The Judgement Sat at the centre of the painting in contemporary elite of Midas, oil on panel, 1513-17. Statens The Ancient Discourse dress, Midas looks straight at the viewer, caught at the exact moment of formulating his faulty musical judgement. Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen. Harmony is governed by proportion, and so is human tem- perament; thus music can affect human behavior ‘For rhythm and harmony penetrate deeply into the mind and take a most powerful hold on it, and, if education is good, bring an impart grace and beauty, if it is bad, the reverse’ (Plato, Republic) Music should therefore play a role in moral education Suggestive ‘music has indeed the power to induce a certain character of soul, and if it can do that, then An older, more position of clearly it must be applied to education’ (Aristotle, Politics) severe Tmolus, in Pan’s bow more modest makes a direct Good musical judgement engenders good moral judgement contemporary link between ‘the proper training we propose to give will make a man quick to perceive the shortcomings attire, also his musician- of works of art or nature …; anything beautiful he will welcome gladly … and so grow in true goodness of character; anything ugly he will rightly condemn and dislike’ (Plato, Republic) interrogates the ship and his viewer with his sexuality. The Renaissance Discourse gaze.
    [Show full text]
  • The Judgement of Midas Adapted from Old Greek Folk-Stories, by Josephine Preston Peabody
    The Judgement of Midas Adapted from Old Greek Folk-Stories, by Josephine Preston Peabody The Greek God Pan, the god of the wood crouched still as stone; the trees kept open air, was a great musician. He every leaf from rustling; earth and air played on a pipe of reeds. And were silent as a dream. To hear the sound of his reed-pipe was such music cease was like bid- so sweet that he grew proud, ding farewell to father and and believed himself greater mother. than the chief musician of When the charm was the gods, Apollo, the sun- broken, the hearers fell god. So he challenged at Apollo’s feet and pro- great Apollo to make bet- claimed the victory his. ter music than he. All but Midas. He alone Apollo consented to would not admit that the test, for he wished to the music was better than punish Pan’s vanity, and they Pan’s. chose the mountain Tmolus “If thine ears are so dull, for judge, since no one is so old mortal,” said Apollo, “they shall and wise as the hills. take the shape that suits them.” When Pan and Apollo came before And he touched the ears of Midas. And Tmolus, to play, their followers came with them, straightway the dull ears grew long, pointed, and to hear, and one of those who came with Pan was furry, and they turned this way and that. They a mortal named Midas. were the ears of an donkey! First Pan played; he blew on his reed-pipe, For a long time Midas managed to hide the and out came a tune so wild and yet so coaxing tell-tale ears from everyone; but at last a servant that the birds hopped from the trees to get near; discovered the secret.
    [Show full text]
  • Agricultural Practices in Ancient Macedonia from the Neolithic to the Roman Period
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by International Hellenic University: IHU Open Access Repository Agricultural practices in ancient Macedonia from the Neolithic to the Roman period Evangelos Kamanatzis SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES A thesis submitted for the degree of Master of Arts (MA) in Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean Studies January 2018 Thessaloniki – Greece Student Name: Evangelos Kamanatzis SID: 2201150001 Supervisor: Prof. Manolis Manoledakis I hereby declare that the work submitted is mine and that where I have made use of another’s work, I have attributed the source(s) according to the Regulations set in the Student’s Handbook. January 2018 Thessaloniki - Greece Abstract This dissertation was written as part of the MA in Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean Studies at the International Hellenic University. The aim of this dissertation is to collect as much information as possible on agricultural practices in Macedonia from prehistory to Roman times and examine them within their social and cultural context. Chapter 1 will offer a general introduction to the aims and methodology of this thesis. This chapter will also provide information on the geography, climate and natural resources of ancient Macedonia from prehistoric times. We will them continue with a concise social and cultural history of Macedonia from prehistory to the Roman conquest. This is important in order to achieve a good understanding of all these social and cultural processes that are directly or indirectly related with the exploitation of land and agriculture in Macedonia through time. In chapter 2, we are going to look briefly into the origins of agriculture in Macedonia and then explore the most important types of agricultural products (i.e.
    [Show full text]
  • Home Learning: Year 3 Maths Year 3 Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5
    Home Learning: Year 3 Maths We have set out each week's learning as a series of suggested daily activities. However, the time may look very different for each family. Building in time to look after each other, be physical, creative and relax is as important as completing the set activities. You need to decide what works for you and your family. You could do more of the activities on one day and fewer on another, or you may find it helpful to have a more structured approach. It may help to give clear times for doing activities and clear times for breaks. You will also notice that some of the science, history and DT activities are the same and therefore can be done as a family. Year 3 Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Factual Fluency https://www.topmark https://www.topmarks. https://www.topmarks. https://www.topmarks. https://phet.colorado.edu/ s.co.uk/maths- co.uk/maths- co.uk/maths- co.uk/maths- sims/html/fractions- games/hit-the-button games/mental-maths- games/mental-maths- games/mental-maths- intro/latest/fractions- Halves from 10-20 train Select ÷, then ÷3 train Select ÷, hen ÷5 train Select ÷, then ÷4 intro_en.html Can you make the fraction of the given shape? Four Days of Summer Term Week 5 Click onto the link each day. There is a video to watch for each day and then activities Reasoning (Wk commencing to complete. White Rose is an excellent resource and one often used by teachers in 18/5) (Monday- https://whiterosemat our schools.
    [Show full text]
  • Unit 21: the Art of Greece
    The Artios Home Companion Series Unit 21: The Art of Greece Teacher Overview The arts reflect the society that creates them. Nowhere is this truer than in the case of the ancient Greeks. Through their temples, sculpture, pottery and literature, the Greeks incorporated the concept of reaching for excellence and one’s full potential. Reading and Assignments In this unit, students will: Complete six lessons in which they will learn about Greek literature, art, philosophy, religion, and myths, journaling and answering discussion questions as they read. Define vocabulary words. Explore the following website: ▪ Gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece http://www.ancientgreece.co. uk/gods/explore/exp_set.ht ml Visit www.ArtiosHCS.com for additional resources. A recreation in modern materials of the lost colossal statue by Pheidias, Athena Parthenos is housed in a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Nashville’s Centennial Park. She is the largest indoor sculpture in the western world. Photograph by Dean Dixon, Sculpture by Alan LeQuire (1990), work of art is free according to the terms of the Free Art License. Leading Ideas In Acts 17, Paul gives a sermon that makes it evident that he understood Greek philosophy. However, he did not stay there in his conversation. He presented the gospel to them. This is a great demonstration of not being “of the world” but being “sent into” the world. — Acts 17 (Read this chapter in ESV at: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17&version=ESV) Ancient: Middle School Unit 21: The Art of Greece Page 314 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
    [Show full text]
  • Macedonia from the Iron Age to the Death of Philip Ii
    ANCIENT MACEDONIA VII MACEDONIA FROM THE IRON AGE TO THE DEATH OF PHILIP II PAPERS READ AT THE SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM HELD IN THESSALONIKI, OCTOBER 14-18, 2002 280 – INSTITUTE FOR BALKAN STUDIES – 280 THESSALONIKI 2007 APXAIA MAKE∆ONIA VII H MAKE∆ONIA AΠO THN EΠOXH TOY ΣI∆HPOY EΩΣ TO ΘANATO TOY ΦIΛIΠΠOY B ANAKOINΩΣEIΣ KATA TO EB∆OMO ∆IEΘNEΣ ΣYMΠOΣIO ΘEΣΣAΛONIKH, 14-18 OKTΩBPIOY 2002 280 – I∆PYMA MEΛETΩN XEPΣONHΣOY TOY AIMOY – 280 ΘEΣΣAΛONIKH 2007 Zã ¢IE£NE™ ™YM¶O™IO VII INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM °IA THN APXAIA MAKE¢ONIA ON ACIENT MACEDONIA OP°ANøTIKH E¶ITPO¶H ORGANISING COMMITTEE ¶Úfi‰ÚÔ˜: B. KfiÓÙ˘ President: V. Kontis AÓÙÈÚfi‰ÚÔ˜: M. TÈ‚¤ÚÈÔ˜ Vice-president: M. Tiverios M¤ÏË: E. BÔ˘Ù˘Ú¿˜ Members: E. Voutiras M. §ÈÏÈÌ¿ÎË-Aη̿ÙË M. Lilimbaki-Akamati I. MÔ˘Ú¤ÏÔ˜ I. Mourelos ¶. N›Á‰ÂÏ˘ P. Nigdelis °Ú·ÌÌ·Ù›·: ¢. K·Ï·Ó›‰Ô˘ Secretariat: D. Kaplanidou BÔËıÔ›: A. MÔ˘˙·Î›ÙË, ™. K·ÓfiÔ˘ÏÔ˜ Assistants: A. Mouzakiti, S. Kanopoulos I¢PYMA ME§ETøN INSTITUTE XEP™ONH™OY TOY AIMOY FOR BALKAN STUDIES ¢IOIKHTIKO ™YMBOY§IO BOARD OF DIRECTORS ¶Úfi‰ÚÔ˜: B. KfiÓÙ˘ President: V. Kontis AÓÙÈÚfi‰ÚÔ˜: I. KÔÏÈfiÔ˘ÏÔ˜ Vice-president: I. Koliopoulos M¤ÏË: A. AÁÁÂÏfiÔ˘ÏÔ˜ Members: I. Angelopoulos E. BÔ˘Ù˘Ú¿˜ E. Voutiras A. K·Ú·ı·Ó¿Û˘ I. Karathanassis K. KˆÊfi˜ K. Kofos X. ¶··ÛÙ¿ı˘ Ch. Papastathis ¢È¢ı˘ÓÙ‹˜: I. MÔ˘Ú¤ÏÔ˜ Director: I. Mourelos EÈ̤ÏÂÈ· ¤Î‰ÔÛ˘: Copy Editors: ¢·Ó¿Ë K·Ï·Ó›‰Ô˘, EÈÚ‹ÓË XÈÒÙË Danai Kaplanidou, Irini Chioti ISBN: 978-960-7387-42-4 © Copyright 2007 by the Institute for Balkan Studies, Thessaloniki.
    [Show full text]
  • Proposal Summary/Abstract
    Space Archeology Overview at Gordion: 2010 to 2012 In fiscal years 2010, 2011, and 2012, Compton Tucker was the principal investigator of a NASA Space Archaeology project that worked at Gordion, in Central Turkey. Tucker was assisted by an excellent team of co-workers including Joseph Nigro and Daniel Slayback of Science Systems Applications Incorporated, Jenny Strum of the University of New Mexico, and Karina Yager, a post doctoral fellow at NASA/GSFC. This report summaries their research activities at Gordion for the field seasons of 2010, 2011, and 2012. Because of the possible use of our findings at Gordion for tomb robbing there and/or the encouragement of potential tomb robbers using our geophysical survey methods to locate areas to loot, we have not published any of our survey results in the open literature nor placed any of these results on any web sites. These 2010- 2012 survey results remain in the confidential archives of the University of Pennsylvania’s University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the group that leads the Gordion Excavation and Research Project. Excavations are planned for 2013 at Gordion, including several that will be based upon the research results in this report. The site of Gordion in central Turkey, famous as the home of King Midas, whose father’s intricately tied knot gave the site its name, also served as the center of the Phrygian kingdom that ruled much of Central Anatolia in Asia Minor during the early first millennium B.C. Gordion has been a University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology excavation project since 1950, yet the site is incompletely published despite six decades of research.
    [Show full text]
  • Views on the Nature of Human Relations And, Ultimately, the Historical Process
    INFORMATION TO USERS While the most advanced technology has been used to photograph and reproduce this manuscript, the quality of the reproduction is heavily dependent upon the quality of the material submitted. For example: • Manuscript pages may have indistinct print. In such cases, the best available copy has been filmed. • Manuscripts may not always be complete. In such cases, a note will indicate that it is not possible to obtain missing pages. • Copyrighted material may have been removed from the manuscript. In such cases, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, and charts) are photographed by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand corner and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Each oversize page is also filmed as one exposure and is available, for an additional charge, as a standard 35mm slide or as a 17”x 23” black and white photographic print. Most photographs reproduce acceptably on positive microfilm or microfiche but lack the clarity on xerographic copies made from the microfilm. For an additional charge, 35mm slides of 6”x 9” black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations that cannot be reproduced satisfactorily by xerography. Order Number 8726642 Fathers and sons in the Histories of Herodotus Greenberger, Jeff Steven, Ph.D. The Ohio State University, 1987 UMI 300 N. Zeeb Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48106 PLEASE NOTE: In all cases this material has been filmed in the best possible way from the available copy. Problems encountered with this document have been identified here with a check mark .
    [Show full text]
  • 10Popular Mythological
    10 Popular Mythological ALLUSIONS 1) ACHILLES’ HEEL destined to fall in love. (Cupid is known as Eros in • Meaning: a weakness that can lead to downfall Greek mythology.) • Greek Myth: Because of a prophesy that Achilles • Sample Sentence: It must be spring because would die young, his mother dipped him in the River everyone is under Cupid’s influence. Styx to make all parts of his body invulnerable. When his mother dipped him in the water, she held his 4) HERCULEUN EFFORT heel, making it his only vulnerable spot. He would • Meaning: super human attempt later die by a poisoned arrow to his heel. • Greek Myth: The Roman name for Heracles • Sample Sentence: His love for fast food is one day is Hercules, which is more commonly used. going to prove to be his Achilles’ heel. Heracles was the son of Zeus and a mortal woman. He was required to successfully 2) CAUGHT BETWEEN SCYLLA & CHARYBDIS complete twelve very difficult tasks, called the • Meaning: choice between two evils Labors of Heracles. Any extreme effort deemed • Greek Myth: Along Odysseus’ voyage home, he as heroic or above normal human standards can encountered Scylla and Charybdis. Scylla, a sea be called “Herculean.” monster with many hands and six dog heads, • Sample Sentence: Finishing her first marathon ate men alive. Charybdis, a deadly whirlpool, required Herculean effort. swallowed ships whole. Odysseus had to choose between the routes, selecting the lesser of two 5) HOT AS HADES evils. He chose Scylla, losing six crewmen. • Meaning: sweltering heat • Sample Sentence: With two tests the next day and • Greek Myth: Hades, also called Tarturus, was the only time to study for one, he was stuck between god of the underworld.
    [Show full text]
  • Mythology in Poetry
    Mythology in AP Poetry Andromeda sorrowing father was close at hand, and her mother too. They were Andromeda was the princess of Ethiopia, daughter of Cepheus and both in deep distress, though the mother had more cause to be so Cassiopeia. Cassiopeia was a boastful woman, and foolishly bragged (Metamorphoses IV 674-692) Perseus said to her parents that he that she was more beautiful than Juno, the queen of the gods, and the would kill the monster if they agree to give him their daughter's hand Nereids. In order to avenge the insult to his nymphs, Neptune sent a in marriage. They of course gave their consent, and Perseus killed the sea monster to ravage the Ethiopian coast. (Some accounts state that monster. (His exact method of doing so varies in different versions of the constellation Cetus represents the sea monster, but a more the myth. Ovid has Perseus stab the monster to death after a drawn- common view of Cetus is that he is a peaceful whale.) out, bloody battle, while other versions have the hero simply hold up the head of Medusa, turning the monster to stone.) Andromeda was The horrified king consulted Ammon, the oracle of Jupiter, who said freed, and the two joyously marry. that Neptune could be appeased only by sacrificing Cassiopeia's *Andromeda is represented in the sky as the figure of a woman with beautiful virgin daughter, Andromeda, to the monster. Andromeda her arms outstretched and chained at the wrists. was duly chained to a rock on the coast, fully exposed to the monster.
    [Show full text]
  • Lynn E. Roller
    Lynn E. Roller Professor of Art History Department of Art and Art History University of California, Davis One Shields Avenue Davis, CA 95616 phone: 530-752-7801 e-mail: [email protected] Education University of Pennsylvania, Ph. D., 1977; degree in Classical Archaeology Bryn Mawr College, M. A., 1973; degree in Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology American School of Classical Studies, member, 1969-70 Bryn Mawr College, A. B. cum laude, 1969; degree in Greek University of Heidelberg, student, 1968-69 Teaching Positions University of California, Davis, Assistant Professor of Classics, 1977-1984; Associate Professor of Classics, 1984-1995; Professor of Classics, 1995-2006; Professor of Classics and Art History, 1999-2006; Professor of Art History, 2006-present Ursinus College, Lecturer in Classics, 1976-1977 Administrative Experience Co-Chair, Art History, U. C. Davis, 2005-2007; January2016-June 2017 Program Director, Classics, U. C. Davis, 1997-2000, 2001-2004 Program Director, Women's Studies (now Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies), U. C. Davis, 1987- 89 Trustee, American Research Center in Sofia, Bulgaria, 2004-present; Interim Board of Trustees Chair, 2016-present Member, Publications Committee, American School of Classical Studies, Athens, 2012-2017 Chair, Publications Committee, American School of Classical Studies, Athens, 2013-2017 Vice-President, San Francisco Chapter of the Archaeological Institute of America, 1980-83 President, Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the Archaeological Institute of America, 1972-74 Fellowships, Grants, and Honors Research Grant, $32,500, from the America For Bulgaria Foundation: Rock-cut Sanctuaries in the eastern Rhodope Mountains: the Gluhite Kamani Cult Complex, 2014-2015 Research Grant, $49,525, from the America For Bulgaria Foundation: Rock-cut Sanctuaries in the eastern Rhodope Mountains: the Gluhite Kamani Cult Complex, 2011-2012 2 Loeb Fellowship in Classical Studies, $30,000, 2007-08.
    [Show full text]
  • The Myth of MIDAS’ GOLDEN TOUCH
    The Myth of MIDAS’ GOLDEN TOUCH BY ANASTASIA AMRHEIN, PATRICIA KIM, LUCAS STEPHENS, AND JANE HICKMAN Gold has been used to create objects of beauty across the ages, conferring a high level of status on those who own it. In some cultures, gold has spiritual and even magical qualities. As a raw material or manufactured object, gold also plays an important role in understanding ancient trade. Gold luxury objects and coins provide valuable evidence for cross-cultural contact and the social interaction of elites. At least as early as the beginning of the 2nd millennium BCE, Assyrian merchants were exporting gold from Asia Minor into Assyria and Mesopotamia, although it was only one commodity in a very complicated trade system that encompassed the entire Near East. Te merchants employed standard weights and measures and paid uniform tolls and taxes along well-traveled and guarded routes. By the late 7th century BCE, the kings of Lydia began to strike the first coins in electrum, a natural alloy of gold and silver, which revolutionized commercial exchange throughout the region. It is therefore not surprising that myths and An Apulian red-figure calyx krater (ca. legends have arisen related 330–240 BCE) depicts to the special qualities Jason bringing Pelias of gold, of which the the Golden Fleece. A “Golden Touch of Midas” is winged victory prepares to crown Jason. From probably the most famous the Louvre, Paris. example. Te earliest EXPEDITION Winter 2015 53 THE MYTH OF MIDAS’ GOLDEN TOUCH The Pactolus River was a source of gold in antiquity. © Archaeological Exploration of Sardis/President and Fellows of Harvard College.
    [Show full text]