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D.B. Merkin (Moscow) – Ὑποχρήστησ and his Role in the Didymean Cult

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Abstract

This article discusses various approaches to understanding the role of the “hypochrestes” in the sanctuary of Apollo in Didyma, and also suggests an independent reconstruction based on epigraphic data. Considering the fact that the names of the offi ce holders were mentioned in inscriptions, and those known to us likely came from the polis elite, it can be assumed that the hypochrestes was one of the signifi cant cult offi cials. The hypochrestes is mentioned in the dating formula instead of the prophet in several inscriptions from the 1st century AD. The author assumes that hypochrestes acted as a deputy in cases where the prophet was not elected for that year.

Keywords

Hypochrestes (ὑποχρήστης), prophet (προφήτης), Didyma, Miletus, oracle, priests.

Dmitriy B. Merkin

Institute of World History of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia

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