Two Notes on the New Croesus Epigram from Thebes

A significant epigraphic discovery from Ancient Thebes, uncovered during a 2005 rescue excavation, sheds new light on the historical connection between Lydian King Croesus and the hero Amphiaraus. The find—a column drum inscribed with two identical epigrams in Boeotian and Ionian scripts—was linked by Herodotus to a 'shining shield' dedicated by Croesus in the temple of Apollo Ismenius. This shield, described as having a chi-shaped orifice for attachment, was likely displayed prominently and interpreted by Herodotus (and possibly temple staff) as part of Croesus's quest to consult Greek oracles before his campaign against Cyrus of Persia. The dual inscriptions, analyzed by Papazarkadas in 2014, provide a composite text that bridges linguistic and historical gaps, offering fresh insights into the cultural and political dynamics of ancient Greece.

Simonton, M. (2020). TWO NOTES ON THE NEW CROESUS EPIGRAM FROM THEBES. The Classical Quarterly, 70(1), 10–15. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0009838820000427