From Iranian to Greek via Aramaic: A Proposal for `odrogos`(Metropolis, Ionia)

Authors : Bartomeu Obrador-cursach, Diego Corral Varela

Pages : 9-26

Doi:10.37095/gephyra.1580661

View : 115 | Download : 103

Publication Date : 2025-05-11

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The term odrogos designates some kind of office associated with to the cults of Ares and Zeus Krezimos in the city of Metropolis (Ionia) from the Hellenistic period to the 2nd century CE, although its origin has so far eluded identification. This paper presents a first linguistic analysis of the term, arguing for an Iranian etymology *ādranga-. The phonetic differences observed suggest that the loan did not pass directly into Greek. Instead, it likely entered Greek through Aramaic, where several forms related to the same Iranian etymon are attested. Based on this new identification, some proposals are offered as to its function and the time of its adoption. Thus, the hypothesis defended here is that the figure of the odrogos is related to the practice, reasonably well known in Asia Minor, of the purchase of priesthoods. The conjunction of all the preceding data, including the term’s attestations and proposed linguistic analysis, makes it feasible to place the contact scenario within the period of Seleucid control over Ionia.
Keywords : İranca alıntı sözcük, Aramice aktarım, Yunanca dilsel temas, rahiplik satışı, Ares tapınımı

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