| The Ancient Greek expression (omicron)(iota) (alpha)(mu)(phi)(iota) ((pi)(epsilon)(rho)(iota))X, which is used mainly in historical prose, has been generally understood to mean 'X and those who are around him' (colleagues, pupils, soldiers...), despite the fact that its literal translation should be 'those who are around X' (X himself being excluded). In some texts, however, this expression seems to mean 'X and another person', or even, oddly enough, 'X' himself (alone).; This research has been intended to answer the two following questions. First: which are the real possible meanings of (omicron)(iota) (pi)(epsilon)(rho)(iota) in ancient and byzantine Greek, and how can we trace the linguistic evolution that accounts for their existence? Secondly, are there such criteria that would enable the historian to choose the right meaning in each context?; Thanks to the close examination of more than 1500 references, from Homer to Psellos, it has been possible to provide the reader of Greek literature with a key to (omicron)(iota) (pi)(epsilon)(rho)(iota): A list of its different meanings and the criteria that should lead the reader to choose the correct one in each case. The discussion and interpretation of a great number of passages in the text of the study has been intended to give an idea of the method as well as of the variety of possible solutions. It should be kept in mind that this expression, created as such by Herodotus and used mainly by historians, scholars and specialists, is a very technical and precise one, which is used not so much to express the existence of a group as to characterize its specific nature: a non-formal, temporary meeting of individuals, not an organization or a permanent entity. The existence of such a tool seems to be one of the many specificities of the ancient Greek language. |
