The Lydian word for ‘prosecutor’

Abstract

Abstract The present paper offers a contextual analysis of the Lydian title šiwraλm(i)- of unclear semantics and compares it with the Greek title προήγορος ‘advocate, prosecutor’ found in a Greek inscription from Ephesus. Both titles have in common that they refer to officials related to the cult of Artemis in Ephesus and Sardis. The comparative analysis yields new information on the cult of the goddess and contributes to our understanding of the Lydian lexicon.