UNA CITTÀ, IL SUO DIO ED IL SUO DRAGO. CONSIDERAZIONI SULLA CRISTIANIZZAZIONE DI HIERAPOLIS*

Abstract

SVMMARIVM – Hoc studium origines fabulae sancti Philippi indagat, qui draconem Echidnam
interfecit. Haec fabula ad veterem Indo-Europaeam traditionem redit. Archaeologica et
numismatica testimonia ostendunt momentum symboli serpentis in rebus divinis localibus.
Inscriptiones ex fano Apollinis Larbeni imaginem dei omnipotentis, qui in territorio regnat et
iustitiam administrat, tradunt. Natura huius Apollinis simillima illi Dei Christianorum est.

ABSTRACT – This study reconstructs the origins of the local legend of St Philip slaying the
dangerous dragon called Echidna in Hierapolis. This legend goes back to an ancient Indo-
European pattern, which we also find in Anatolian cultures. Numismatic and archaeological
evidence shows the importance of the serpent in the local cults of Hierapolis. Epigraphic texts
from the sanctuary of Apollo reveal the image of an all-powerful deity who reigns over the territory
by administering justice. This image is very similar to that of the god of the Christians.