Login

Publications  •  Project Statistics

Glossary  •  Schools  •  Disciplines
People Search: 
   
Title/Abstract Search: 

Dissertation Information for Steve Friesen

NAME:
- Steve Friesen
- (Alias) Steven John Friesen

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Religion

SCHOOL:
- Harvard University (USA) (1990)

ADVISORS:
- None

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- None

MPACT Status: Incomplete - Not_Inspected

Title: Ephesus, twice 'neokoros'

Abstract: This dissertation analyzes the provincial cult for the emperors established in Ephesus during the late first century CE. A variety of materials (epigraphic, numismatic, sculptural, architectural, and literary) is examined in order to understand (1) the religious traditions upon which this cult draws to create its own institutions, and (2) the place of the cult in the development of imperial cult in Asia.

The first chapter surveys the earlier provincial imperial cults established in Asia: in Pergamum (29 BCE); in Smyrna (23-6 CE); and in Miletus (ca. 40 CE). Special attention is given to the offices and imagery used in these institutions, and to the historical context of each cult's inauguration.

Inscriptions from the province show that the Temple of the Sebastoi in Ephesus was dedicated in 89/90 CE for the worship of the Flavian emperors. The investigation focuses further on the use of the term neokoros ("temple warden") for the city of Ephesus; the style of the temple and its relationship to the rest of the city; and, the use of sculpture in the cult.

The discussion of highpriesthoods (chapter four) highlights the following developments in the first century CE: the emergence of the term "highpriest of Asia;" the first provincial highpriestesses of Asia; and the sudden appearance of "Asiarch" in coins and inscriptions. Asiarchs, it is argued, had no necessary relationship to the imperial cult; they were involved primarily in municipal services.

Chapter five examines the Ephesian Olympics, concluding that they were first celebrated in 89/90 CE. They were a municipal festival in honor of Domitian, and the Harbor Bath-Gymnasium was built in conjunction with this new festival.

After a discussion of the nature of "imperial cult," the concluding chapter describes the significance of this provincial cult for the cities of Asia and their citizens. Distinctives of the cult are highlighted, and parallels with earlier cults for rulers are drawn. The cult was firmly rooted in the province's religious, cultural, political, and economic life, becoming a model for Asia's provincial cults of the second century.

MPACT Scores for Steve Friesen

A = 0
C = 1
A+C = 1
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2010-03-28 21:14:02

Advisors and Advisees Graph