Celtic Voices in Greek Script: Gallo-Greek Inscriptions and Their Significance
The use of the Greek alphabet to inscribe Celtic languages presents a fascinating intersection of cultures, tracing its roots to the interactions between the Celts and the Greek colonists of Massalia (modern-day Marseille). This cross-cultural exchange left behind inscriptions that not only highlight linguistic adaptability but also provide invaluable insights into the social and religious practices of the ancient Celts. This article explores three notable examples of Gallo-Greek inscriptions, shedding light on their historical and cultural significance.
1. The Vaison-la-Romaine Inscription
σεγομαρος
ουιλλονεος
τοουτιουϲ
ναμαυσατις
ειωρου βηλη-
σαμι σοσιν
νεμητον
The first example comes from Vaison-la-Romaine, preserved in the Calvet Lapidary Museum in Avignon. This stone block features a clear and legible Gallo-Greek script, reading:
σεγομαρος ουιλλονεος τοουτιουϲ ναμαυσατις ειωρου βηλη σαμι σοσιν νεμητον
Translated, it reads: "Segomaros, son of Villū, citizen of Nîmes, offered this sacred enclosure to Belesama." (Translation by P.-Y. Lambert)
This inscription is a votive dedication, characterized by the verb ειωρου, a term found predominantly in religious contexts. The dedication is made to Belisama, the Gaulish equivalent of Minerva, indicating a syncretism between Celtic and Roman deities. Segomaros, the dedicator, explicitly mentions his origins from Nîmes (ναμαυσατις), derived from the Celtic name Nemausus. The term τοουτιουϲ translates to 'citizen,' rooted in the Celtic word touta, meaning 'tribe' or 'clan'. The νεμητον (nemeton) mentioned is understood as a sacred grove or enclosure, demonstrating the Celts' reverence for natural sanctuaries.
2. The Nîmes STONE Inscription
Discovered in 1740 and now housed in the Musée de la Romanité in Nîmes, this Doric capital bears an inscription dedicated to the Mothers of Nîmes:
[.]αρταρ/ος ι/λλανουιακος δεδε ματρεβο ναμαυσικαβο βρατουδε[
Translated, it reads: " (?)artaros son of Illanus (offered it) to the Mothers of Nîmes, (?) in gratitude, with the tithe/for the fulfilment of the vow." (Translation by P.-Y. Lambert)
This pedestal likely supported a statue, now lost, and showcases a beautifully executed inscription. The term δεδε (root: di, 'to offer') suggests a perfected act of offering. The dedicator's name is partially obscured but appears to be Martaros. The dedication is made to the ματρεβο ναμαυσικαβο, the Mother-Goddesses of Nîmes (also known as Nemausus), reflecting the widespread veneration of maternal deities in Celtic culture. The linguistic structure, which consists of a father's name and a suffix, adheres to Gaulish naming customs and exemplifies the fusion of personal and communal identity.
3. Ekilios' STONE Dedication from Collias
The third example is a dedication by Ekilios, discovered on a chalky pillar in Collias. Dating back to the mid-1st century BC, this inscription reads:
εκιλιο/c ρ[?]ουμαυ[ι]οc αν/δοουν/ναβο δ/[?]δ βρατο/[υ] δεκαν/τεν
Translated, it reads: "Ekilios, Romanos'son, gave the tithe/the ex-voto to the Ondines (?)" (Translation by X. Delamarre)
This inscription is notable for its detailed dedication formula δεδε βρατουδεκαντεν, seen in other Gallo-Greek inscriptions. Ekilios dedicates the ex-voto to the ανδοουνναβο, interpreted as divinities associated with springs or water. The formulaic expression of devotion underscores the importance of ritual offerings in Celtic religion, particularly in natural settings like springs, which were considered sacred.
4. The Gallo-Greek Stele of the Spouses of Ventabren
This beautiful stele, where we read the name written in Gallo-Greek of Venitouta, daughter of Quadrū, shows a Celtic female name whose father was probably of Latin origin but lived in a Gallic environment in the middle of the 1st century BC.
The Gallo-Greek stele of the spouses of Ventabren, preserved in the Marseille City Museum, is also a stunning artifact that illustrates the cultural amalgamation in ancient Gaul. This stele, inscribed with the name Venitouta, daughter of Quadrū, in Gallo-Greek script, dates back to the mid-1st century BC.
Venitouta's name is distinctly Celtic, while her father's name, Quadrū, suggests Latin origins, indicating a blend of Celtic and Roman identities within the same family.
Conclusion
These Gallo-Greek inscriptions are more than mere linguistic artifacts; they are windows into the vibrant and complex world of the ancient Celts. The use of the Greek alphabet signifies not only the spread of Greek influence through trade and colonization but also the adaptability and syncretism of Celtic culture. Each inscription provides a glimpse into the religious practices, social structures, and linguistic characteristics of the Gauls, enriching our understanding of their interactions with the broader Mediterranean world.
As these inscriptions become increasingly accessible through digital initiatives like the Recueil informatisé des inscriptions gauloises (RIIG, Recueil des inscriptions gauloises), our knowledge of this fascinating cultural confluence will continue to grow, shedding new light on the ancient past.
