Papers of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens (1.1882-1883)

INSCRIPTIONS OF ASSOS.

33

II.

" The people and the Roman merchants established among us
crown, in recognition of her perfect virtue and her prudence, Lollia
Arlegilla, who has lived honorably, discreetly, and blamelessly before
all men."

" The priestess of Athena Polias, and keeper of her temple."

"I, Hellopis, daughter of Hellanikos, have erected this memorial
to myself and my parents during my lifetime."

These inscriptions are interesting in many respects. Originally
the slab contained simply two honorary inscriptions of an official
character, side by side, surrounded by an elaborate moulding. I. oc-
cupies the left of the panel ; II. the right. The persons honored in
them were man and wife (see the note to the following inscription).
Hellanikos belonged to the ancient royal family of Assos. In the
next inscription (No. XV.) we learn that this family officiated as
priests of Augustus and Zeus Homonoos, whereas in this inscription
Lollia Arlegilla is priestess and neokoros of Athene Polias alone.
Now this seems to indicate that Hellanikos and Lollia Arlegilla lived
when Rome was still a republic, before the " Imperial Cultus " was
instituted. Had the Imperial Cultus died out or been ignored after

IV.

jxv-qfxiov fjavrrj kou rots yopeova.