φιλοκτίστης. Ein Beitrag zum spätantiken Euergetismus

Abstract

Using the epitheton φιλοκτίστης as its point of departure, this contribution concentrates on euergetism in Late Antiquity. First, the literary attestations of φιλοκτίστης are addressed. Since they fail to shed light on the term’s more subtle nuances, this discussion is followed by an analysis of all known epigraphic occurrences. This basis also allows the poem for Anicia Iuliana, preserved in the so-called Dioscorides-Codex, to be placed in the context of late-antique dedication culture. Finally, the shift of meaning – from κτίστης «founder» to φιλοκτίστης «donor» – is used to highlight the idiosyncrasies of euergetism in Late Antiquity.