AGATHOS DAIMÔNIN CHARITON'SCHAEREAS AND CALLIRHOE(5.1.6, 5.7.10): SOME RAMIFICATIONS

Abstract

In this article I make three interrelated claims about Chariton's use of ἀγαθὸς δαίμων in connection with the protagonist Chaereas, who is believed to be dead. First, that it reflects a funerary formula peculiar to inscriptions from Caria, and therefore potentially supports the author's declaration to be a native of Aphrodisias in Caria; second, that the use of this funerary formula suggests an awareness of events subsequent to the death of Nero (especially the series of false Neros), which has ramifications for the novel's date, use of imperial history, and ideological thrust; and third, that numismatic evidence from Alexandria supports an association between Chaereas and Nero.

Spartans in the ancient Greek novels

“… 21 Jolowicz (2018b) 140–42. More contemporary Romans have been adduced as influential on Chaereas’ character in other parts of the novel: Bowie (2002) 55 on Cassius Chaerea; Perry (1967) 138, Hunter (1994) 1079–82 and Jolowicz (2018a) on Nero (and his false avatars). …”

THE ROMAN ARMY AND GREEK MILITARISM IN CHARITON'SCHAEREAS AND CALLIRHOE

“…171.1.1. Jolowicz (forthcoming a) collects epigraphic evidence from nearby Iasus and Mylasa that supports the claim, though see Rohde (1914 [1876]) 520 n. 2 for the possibility that Chariton's name and city are pseudonymous. Tilg (2010) 24–82 is a useful overview of some possible connections between Chariton and Aphrodisias.…”

“…16Jolowicz (forthcoming a), with further references; cf. Alvares (2001–2) 140 n. 106, (2002) 15, (2007) 15–16.…”