The Theokóloi of Athens: Their Function within the Athenian Religious Context of the Second Century AD

Abstract

The term theokolos appears already during classical times within several inscriptions from the sanctuary of Olympia listing the cult personnel. Furthermore, within Pausania’s description of the rituals of Olympia, the olympic theokoloi are said to be appointed to the supervision of the monthly sacrifices to several sanctuary deities. The term theokoloi also appears in several inscriptions from the second century AD, a few from Athens, found in Hadrian’ Olympieion and in Dionysos’ Theatre, and others from cities that belonged to the Panhellenion Legue. This article analyzed the Olympian theolokoi as a possible model for their Athenian counterpart and the role the latter could have played within the rituals of the imperial cult in honour of Hadrian.