Répondante : Eleonora Santin (CNRS / HiSoMA)

 

Titre : The Greek verse inscriptions on the prytanis Tullia (SGO 03/02/38)

Résumé :  The presentation aims to analyze the epigraphic dossier SGO 03/02/38, originating from Ephesus and dated to 170 CE. It consists of three metrical inscriptions concerning Tullia, prytanis of the city: a prayer to Hestia and the gods, asking that she be granted offspring in return for the exemplary fulfillment of her eponymous magistracy; a prayer to Hestia and Artemis, mentioning the generous benefactions contributed by the woman during her office; and finally, a fragmentary epigram honoring Tullia for the performance of the prytany, for her benefactions – possibly alluding to the funding of the baths of one of the Ephesian gymnasia – and for her “works of the Muses,” the meaning of which remains debated.
The analysis of these texts contributes to a fuller understanding of the public role of women in imperial Ephesus, highlights the relationship between female prominence and epigraphic writing, and ultimately brings to light some little-known examples of Greek literary production of the time.