Arrian and Procopius on the ancient village named Athens in Colchis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24193/subbhist.2024.2.01Keywords:
Black Sea, Caucasus, Atina, Athens, Arrian, Procopius, Athenaea, Pseudo-ScylaxAbstract
An ancient village in the southeastern Black Sea region was named Athenai (Athens) from the Hellenistic period, and probably earlier. It kept the name, in the form of Atina, down to modern times, though it is now named Pazar in Turkish. It lies between Trapezus and Apsarus on the Turkish coast.
This article discusses ancient sources on it, esp. Arrian and Procopius. These accounts seem different, but can be reconciled, while each shows its own approach and attitudes in ways that have a wider relevance to their works. Suggestions that Athenians were involved there are unpersuasive, though possible local traditions are considered here, including the local tradition of a woman named Athenaea.
Rezumat: Un sat antic din regiunea de sud-est a Mării Negre a fost numit Athenai (Atena) din perioada elenistică, poate chiar mai devreme. Satul a păstrat acest nume, sub forma Atina, până în timpurile moderne, deși acum poartă numele turcesc de Pazar. Se află între Trapezus și Apsarus, pe litoralul turcesc.
Articolul discută sursele antice despre localitate, mai cu seamă pe Arrian și Procopius. Relatările acestora par diferite, dar pot fi reconciliate, în timp ce fiecare dintre ele reflectă propria abordare și atitudine, în moduri care au o relevanță mai largă pentru operele lor. Sugestiile conform cărora atenienii ar fi fost implicați în întemeierea satului sunt neconvingătoare, deși posibilele tradiții locale sunt luate în considerare, inclusiv tradiția locală despre o femeie numită Athenaea.
Cuvinte-cheie: Marea Neagră, Caucaz, Atina, Atena, Arrian, Procopius, Athenaea, Pseudo-Scylax
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