Diogenes of Oenoanda on Jews and Egyptians: Some Thoughts on Theol. V, 7–VI, 2

Abstract

This article deals with col. V, 7-VI, 2 of Oenoanda's continuous Theological Physics-Sequence, in which Diogenes calls the Jews and the Egyptians the δεισιδαιμονέστατοι and μιαρώτατοι of all people. Previous scholarship has already offered some interesting suggestions to explain why our otherwise cosmopolitan author would have used such harsh words. The aim of this article is to re-evaluate the plausibility of these suggestions against the backdrop of Diogenes' specific argumentative strategies in this part of the inscription. Ultimately, an attempt will be made to establish the nature of Diogenes' Epicurean view on Jews and Egyptians.