MAGICAL GRAFFITO FROM OLBIA WITH “GIFT INSCRIPTION”

Abstract

The goal of the research. Initial research and variants of the interpretation of the graffito on a ceramic fragment from Olbia Pontica. Methodology. Methods of auxiliary historical disciplines, in particular, palaeography, chronology, genealogy, onomastics, prosopography, also, prosopographic interpretation, prosopographic dating, and prosopographic reconstruction. Scientific novelty. A graffito from Olbia is introduced into scientific circulation, which simultaneously holds signs of gift inscriptions and magical epigraphy. Conclusions. According to one of the variants of interpretation, this magical graffito combines both traditional features of household gift inscriptions and magical symbolism. In particular, the recto contains the donation inscription: “Gift of Theophilos”. The inscription contains, possibly, a magic circle and a magic triangle. The verso bears the name of a person, who is probably cursed: “Eumenes, son of Eukrates, Eumenes, son of Eukrates”. Repetitions are a feature of magical epigraphy and of use in the games of the symposium. Accordingly, the interpretation of the graffito as related to the games at the symposium cannot be ruled out. The author of the graffito, Theophilos, is from an unknown family; Eumenes, son of Eukrates has a characteristic name of the Heuresibiadai-Leokratidai-Leoprepidai family and a characteristic patronymic of the Poseidonios family. The presence of a full name, according to the modern interpretation, probably indicates the presence of a widely known homonymous person in the community and, accordingly, the need to distinguish homonymous persons. According to our hypothesis, Eumenes, son of Eukrates, belongs to the family of Poseidonios and could be the brother of a member of the collegium of Seven named Poseidonios, son of Eukrates (about 227—197 BC) from the decree of IOSPE I² 76. The homonymous person is contemporary and known in society as eponym of Olbia in 201 BC, agoranom and dedicant of the dedication of Demeter in Neapolis of Scythia: Eumenes, son of Syriskos (about 216—186 BC), from the Heuresibiadai-Leokratidai-Leoprepidai family. Accordingly, the prosopographic dating of the graffito: about 225—195 BC. The seemingly flawless prosopographic coincidences, however, do not relieve us of the need to remain cautious about their unquestioning application, since the prosopography of Olbia is at the very initial stage of its development.