Jürgen Hammerstaedt Livres

The Greek inscription by the Epicurean philosopher Diogenes of Oinoanda, likely from the first half of the second century AD, is a significant document. It is the longest known inscription from antiquity, approximately 25,000 words, and uniquely presents a detailed exposition of a philosophical system. Diogenes asserts that Epicureanism serves as an effective “medicine” for those afflicted by false beliefs, particularly irrational fears of the gods and death, as well as unnecessary desires. His inscription conveys a message of moral healing and salvation to the citizens of Oinoanda and beyond, addressing both his contemporaries and future generations. Since 1884, 299 fragments of the inscription have been discovered in the ruins of Oinoanda in southwest Turkey, with 76 found between 2003 and 2012 during an epigraphical and architectural survey led by Martin Bachmann. Jürgen Hammerstaedt and Martin Ferguson Smith recorded and edited these new finds. This volume compiles all articles presenting the new texts and revisions of earlier ones, along with descriptions of the survey. It includes three new sections, featuring indices of Greek names and words. The book is invaluable for those interested in Epicureanism, Hellenistic philosophy, Greek culture during the Roman Empire, and inscriptions, with all new texts accompanied by English translations.