Demetrius of Tarsus in two Greek votive tablets from York? RIB 662 and 663 re-examined

ABSTRACT

Two small votive plates from York, recorded as RIB 662 and 663, represent unique examples of the Greek language in Roman Britain. Though traditionally attributed to Plutarch’s Demetrius of Tarsus, the authorship of these artefacts is disputed, due to the relative ambiguity of the contents and the lack of stratigraphic and dating information associated with their recovery. However, by analysing the metatextual features of the objects, it is possible to derive a comparative cultural background which can remedy the missing archaeological context. This article addresses the ansate shape of the plates, their punched-dot inscription style, and their use of the Greek language to reconnect the objects with a cultural context that helps to resolve the existing disputes regarding their contents.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).