ATLETI, EROI ED EPIGRAFIA DEL SACRO DI MAGNA GRECIA*

Abstract

This paper explores epigraphical evidence of the ancient, persistent, and multifaceted relationship between
athletic prowess and the sacred in Magna Graecia. This phenomenon is observable, e.g., in the dedication of
statues and inscribed monuments to gods (along with victory odes) by victorious athletes and in the heroization
of several athletes. The focus is on the epigraphical material relating to the athlete and hero Euthymos
of Locri, and in particular an epigram celebrating his victories at Olympia (CEG 399) and on the alterations
that this text underwent. The analysis also considers the role played by the combination of iconography (i.e.,
depictions of young ephebes) and epigraphy (i.e., inscriptions referring to Greek heroes) in suggesting the
heroic status of the young dead on South Italian red-figure vases.