Dedication to Pan Euodos by an Archisomatophylax Loyal to Ptolemy VIII

Abstract

In 130 BC, the Cretan archisomatophylax Soterichos made a complex dedication to Pan of Fair Paths (Euodos) on behalf of Ptolemy VIII, Cleopatra III, and their children. From a historical point of view, this Upper Egyptian inscription testifies the dynastic conflict between Ptolemy VIII and Cleopatra II, but also the movement of men and goods in the Egyptian Eastern Desert at a crucial moment in Ptolemaic history. Furthemore, it can also be interpreted as a revealing autobiographical statement and a certificate of loyalty in which the contours of the god (an interpretatio Graeca of Min) and the king seem to merge together.

Keywords

• Archisomatophylax. Cleopatra II. Cleopatra III. Dedication. Dynastic conflict. Egyptian Eastern Desert. Euodos. Interpretatio Graeca. Loyalty. Pan. Ptolemy VIII. Soterichos