Abstract
The spatial relations expressed by the preposition ἐπί can be clarified attending to the dimensionality of the landmark as a basic semantic category, along with the constant notion of contact, belonging to the preposition. On the contrary, the orientation – from which the traditional explanations are derived – is important but clearly secondary. After explaining the coexistence and partial synonymy of ἐπί with dat. and gen. starting from the uses with three-dimensional landmarks, the study of the uses with two- and one-dimensional landmarks allows reformulation of the basic meaning of the preposition. In turn, this allows recognition of a system based on a very particular conceptual view about limits and ends in the different dimensions, a conceptual view in decline since Homer, although we can find other traces of it here and there, also in Latin.
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