Abstract:

The present study focuses on tying together all the archaeological, architectural, and epigraphic research on the ancient Greek polis of Teos in Ionia. The work falls into two distinct parts. The first section surveys the geography, the political history, and the society and government of Teos. These chapters will draw upon sources from the full history of the ancient city, from its foundation down until the abandonment of the site. The second part comprises of four separate studies. The first of these will deal with the cult of Dionysos at Teos and will examine the mythology, architecture, and cult practices for the god. The inscription recording a pirate attack on Teos will serve as the starting point for a chapter exploring the recurring problem of piracy in the general area of Teos and the social developments that came about because of it. The Teian call for territorial inviolability (asylia ) will comprise the third historical study. This chapter will analyze the decrees recognizing the territorial inviolability of the city for Dionysos from the point of view of the Teians themselves. The last chapter will explore the complicated relationship between the Dionysiac guild of artists (technitai ) and the city during the course of the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC.