Pages:  39-48 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.55086/sp2563948

Yu. Vinogradov and S. Tokhtasiev suggest that the names Καφακης, Δημο̣κῶν, and Ἀτάης from the magical list IGDOlb 106, which appear without patronymics, likely represent individuals from the lower social classes. However, this interpretation contradicts prosopographical theory, as lacking a patronymic typically indicates widespread community recognition for the person. Out of the fifteen names on the IGDOlb 106 list, Δηµο̣κῶν (Εὐβιότου) — who was Olbia’s eponym in 349 BC — holds the greatest prominence. This context suggests that the adjacent name, Ἀτάης, might reference the Scythian king Atheas. The prosopographical dating of the list to 349 BC supports this hypothesis, aligning with Atheas’s timeline. Additionally, the barbarian Καφακης (Καφακες), featured in both IGDOlb 106 and IGDOlb 104, was likely connected to Atheas’s sphere of influence.

Keywords: Olbia, Scythians, magical epigraphy, king Atheas, chronology, eponymous catalogue

Information about authors:

Mykola Nikolaev (Nikolaev, Ukraine). Doctor of Historical Sciences, associate professor. Central Ukrainian National Technical University. University Ave., 8, Kropyvnytskyi, 25006, Kirovograd Oblast, Ukraine
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0003-3994-1150

Roman Piunov (Kyiv, Ukraine). Independent researcher.
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0009-0001-7365-7121