Dionysus was the major divinity of the city. The biggest known temple of Dionysus was built in Teos. The Teians celebrated each year a major festival to honour their main god. At this festival there were many musical and literacy contests. Rewarded winners went home with prizes. The costs of the festival were paid by an “aganothetes” appointed by the city. Onesimos mentioned as dedicator of this monument can be identified as holder of this office. He put into the monument beside his name, the names of the winners in the various disciplines. According to the letter forms, the monument was set up in the 2nd century BC.
To Dionysus and the Demos. Onesimos, son of Onesimos, grandson of
Onesimos. To Dionysus and the Demos. These persons were the victors:
In the field of Comedy:
Menno… of Lebedos son
of Metrodoros; The
chorus-leader was
Dioukhes, son of
Eikadios.
In the field of prize
contest and playing flute
among youth:
Chorus-leader
Hermothestos, son of
Hermothestos;
Flute-player Menodotos,
son of Aristokrates,
adoptee of Teokritos.
In the field of playing
flute among men:
Chorus-leader
Agathokles, son of
Agathokles, Herophilos’
own child; Flute-player
Menodotos, son of
Aristokrates, adoptee of
Teokritos.