Overview

As one of the most famous religious centers in the Aegean, the island of Samothrace was visited by thousands of worshippers between the seventh century B.C. and the fourth century A.D. All known inscriptions listing or mentioning Samothracian initiates and theoroi (a total of 169 texts) are presented. Texts that have been published before have been restudied where the original stones are still preserved, and many corrections have been made to existing readings. In addition, 23 names of theoroi and 143 of initiates have been published here for the first time, and new information about their activities on the island is presented.

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9780876615379

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Dimitrova offers a clear and systematic presentation of the known epigraphic evidence. The discussion of the possible interpretation and value of the texts is logical and justifiable.This volume provides an exceptionally useful resource for those interested in the Samothracian cult and also provides valuable evidence on access and initiation in the mystery cults of the ancient world. Its value will surely increase once the remaining volumes of the Samothrace excavation reports are completed.' -- Kirsten M. Bedigan, University of Glasgow Bryn Mawr Classical Review Vol. 54, 2009 Comprehensiveness alone makes this a useful tool for anyone interested in the Samothracian cult. [...] future scholars will be grateful for Dimitrovas efforts... she has succeeded in creating a collection that will serve other researchers well for years to come.' -- Kathryn Simonsen, Memorial University of Newfoundland AJA Online Book Reviews January 2010 The Hesperia Supplement monograph series has long been a premier venue for epigraphic publication, but D.s edition represents a new height: text and commentary are laid out cleanly and legibly; there are 133 black and white photographs and drawings of the inscriptions; and it is possible in many cases to check D.s text against an illustration without turning a page. In sum, D. has presented what will be the standard of Samothracian inscriptions concerning theoroi and initiates for this generation, as well as an invaluable resource for advanced students and scholars researching nearly any aspect of the religion and history of the island.' -- D. Graninger Classical Journal Online 2010.03.04

Dimitrova offers a clear and systematic presentation of the known epigraphic evidence. The discussion of the possible interpretation and value of the texts is logical and justifiable.This volume provides an exceptionally useful resource for those interested in the Samothracian cult and also provides valuable evidence on access and initiation in the mystery cults of the ancient world. Its value will surely increase once the remaining volumes of the Samothrace excavation reports are completed.' -- Kirsten M. Bedigan, University of Glasgow BMCR, Vol 54 2009 Comprehensiveness alone makes this a useful tool for anyone interested in the Samothracian cult. [...] future scholars will be grateful for Dimitrovas efforts... she has succeeded in creating a collection that will serve other researchers well for years to come.' -- Kathryn Simonsen, Memorial University of Newfoundland AJA Online Book Reviews January 2010 The Hesperia Supplement monograph series has long been a premier venue for epigraphic publication, but D.s edition represents a new height: text and commentary are laid out cleanly and legibly; there are 133 black and white photographs and drawings of the inscriptions; and it is possible in many cases to check D.s text against an illustration without turning a page. In sum, D. has presented what will be the standard of Samothracian inscriptions concerning theoroi and initiates for this generation, as well as an invaluable resource for advanced students and scholars researching nearly any aspect of the religion and history of the island.' -- D. Graninger Classical Journal Online 2010.03.04

Author Information

Nora M. Dimitrova is a postdoctoral associate at Cornell University.

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