The Votive of Aiglatas, Spartan Runner. Old Evidence, New Knowledge

Abstract

Much of what we know about ancient Sparta is based upon inscriptions. Extant inscribed objects are often left idle in storerooms, treated summarily, with modern scholars reliant upon dated epigraphical publications which focus mainly only on the texts of the inscriptions. However, the study of objects bearing inscribed texts together with their inscriptions can yield information that challenges what we suppose we know about ancient Sparta.This article analyses a Late Archaic inscribed stele from Sparta, bearing a dedication to Karneios by Aiglatas for his athletic victories. The stele has been used as evidence for two scholarly claims: that athletic competitions were performed at the Karneia festival, and that Apollo Karneios was represented with ram's horns.Adopting a holistic approach and a comparative methodology, the present study shows that these two modern claims are without foundation. By means of autopsy and comparative analysis, this work proposes a new reading of the inscription and a novel interpretation of Aiglatas’ dedication in its cultural context. In addition, this study does not confirm the existence of gymnastic contests at the Karneia, as claimed by earlier scholars; it argues instead that a torch race may have taken place before sacrifices at the festival. Finally, it is argued that there is no evidence that Apollo Karneios was represented with the ram's horns, which opens up new possibilities for understanding the deity and his religious value within Spartan society.