Diogenes of Oenoanda

Diogenes of Oinoanda ( ancient Greek Διογένης ὁ Οἰνοανδέας ) was an ancient Greek writer from the city Oinoanda in Lycia (Asia Minor). He is the author of a large inscription of probably about 30,000 words and about 60 to 80 m in length, which had been attached to the rear wall of a portico at the Agora and has been preserved only in fragments. It included more than 120 columns of text; so it was a unique in its kind monument.

As time of origin of the inscription has long been mostly accepted the late 2nd century AD, according to recent research, which refer to names that are mentioned on newly discovered fragments of the inscription, and on the shape of the letters used, but is rather already the first quarter of the 2nd century in question (lit.: as Smith). A minority of researchers pleads even for decades before the birth of Christ (lit.: as Smith / Canfora ). About Diogenes is not known, but it must have been a wealthy man.

Possibly he is identical with a certain Diogenes Flavian, a Roman citizen from Oinoanda, which is known from other inscriptions. Also, there is a presumption that Diogenes of Oinoanda could be identical with the author Diogenes Laertius, but this is rejected by most researchers.

Content of the inscription

The inscription, which was mounted so that they could easily read Temporary, comprised approximately the following texts ( the exact assignment of the resulting fragments is sometimes disputed):

• An introduction in which Diogenes his turn to philosophy and the affixing of the inscription says.
• Diogenes ' treatise On the Nature, that is, the principles of the Epicurean physics and world view.
• Diogenes ' treatise on ethics under the ( preserved ) Title Diogenes of Oinoandas extract over the emotions and actions.
• Diogenes ' long dissertation about the age that defends old age against the usual accusations.
• A letter of Diogenes to a certain Antipater over the infinite number of worlds in which Diogenes defended in ancient times often attacked Epicurean doctrine that there is an infinite number of worlds ( κόσμοι, kosmoi ).
• A letter to his mother, perhaps in the traditional form of a letter of consolation, of which it is a v. obtain a section on the meaning of dreams.
• The testament of Diogenes as well as an open letter to his friends, in which he takes leave of life and mentioned the attachment of the inscription again.
• Various maxims and aphorisms Epicurus, some of which are handed down in other sources, partly occupied only here.

Together, these texts formed a diverse and extremely vibrant demolition of the doctrine of Epicurus. Since 2007, newly found fragments contain a discussion of Plato's teachings.

Fate and significance of the inscription

The inscription is the longest and largest, which is already known from antiquity. The portico was destroyed at a later time, perhaps by an earthquake in 140/141 AD (this would of course argue against the dating of the inscription in the late second century); many remains of the inscription were installed in the new direction of the Agora. Thus, only 212 have been discovered some larger fragments of the inscription in the late 19th century by French, German and Austrian researchers and published for the first time - certain parts of the doctrine of Epicurus, which must have been treated in the inscription are in the extant fragments, however, under-represented (e.g., the physics ). The inscription shows that the author was an avid follower of the doctrine of Epicurus was, who wanted to make in old age that this philosophy be known to many people. In addition, it was the wealthy man obviously also about their own fame. Diogenes knew obviously in the Epicurean doctrine of good; various details of this doctrine are only preserved in its inscription.

If you follow the traditional late date, the total inscription forms a significant testimony that Epicureanism in the 2nd century AD, still represented a significant movement. But even at an earlier date, it is at least surprising and admirable, like Diogenes could put together such an immense work in its more remote towns. The inscription is probably the most significant known from antiquity attempt, philosophy "for all" who could read, make them accessible, written books were still relatively expensive. In the introduction it says ( 2 Frg. Chilton, col IV -VI. ):

Since 2007, the German Archaeological Institute in Istanbul operates together with the Cologne Hellenist Jürgen Hammerstaedt systematic research in Oinoanda to find in the city so far archaeologically inadequately covered at other parts of the inscription. Martin Bachmann in these studies met in July 2008 to 26 more fragments of the inscription. Inter alia they contain references to Plato and suggest with the entry of a " High God " the development of a monotheistic flow. Also in the summer of 2009, more fragments were discovered; the discoveries are published annually by Hammerstaedt and Martin Smith. The project will continue in 2010. So far, an estimated 40 percent of the text have been found.