09-08-2010, 08:04 PM
Hello,
I have also done some reading on Artemis-worship as expressed in Ionic times through the Roman Imperial period. (But not so early as you refer to, into the Archaic period). I don't recall the reference just now (but can look it up if anyone is interested) - but another theory is that the collection of items on the Artemis of Ephesus statues are bull testicles. This line of thinking goes along with bull sacrifice at major festivals (in spring), at which time the bull was killed, burnt, with the choice portions dedicated to the deity, and the rest eaten by all those at the festival. Why testicles? They represent the power of the bull - ie the power of procreation and new life. I believe that a number of bone fragments have been recovered nearby the altar of Artemis at Ephesus, including goats and bulls.
John
I have also done some reading on Artemis-worship as expressed in Ionic times through the Roman Imperial period. (But not so early as you refer to, into the Archaic period). I don't recall the reference just now (but can look it up if anyone is interested) - but another theory is that the collection of items on the Artemis of Ephesus statues are bull testicles. This line of thinking goes along with bull sacrifice at major festivals (in spring), at which time the bull was killed, burnt, with the choice portions dedicated to the deity, and the rest eaten by all those at the festival. Why testicles? They represent the power of the bull - ie the power of procreation and new life. I believe that a number of bone fragments have been recovered nearby the altar of Artemis at Ephesus, including goats and bulls.
John
Gauis Julius Quartus / John Christianson
Multum cum in omnibus rebus tum in re militari potest fortuna. (Caesar, BG, VI.30)
Multum cum in omnibus rebus tum in re militari potest fortuna. (Caesar, BG, VI.30)
