The following brief note examines how Martial utilizes amphibology, paronomasia, and the absence of pronominal adjectives to full effect in epigram 12.20 to frustrate the inquisitive third person addressee of the poem. The potential of this epigram has been much neglected and the interpretations thus far offered would benefit from a little expansion.

The paper analyzes the encounter between Laius and his son at the crossroads (Soph. OT 802-813) in order to decide whether Oedipus is guilty of killing in excess of self-defense. The measure of danger to his life depends on the weapon, διπλᾶ κέντρα, used by Laius to strike him on the head. On the basis of both literary and iconographical evidence, it is argued that this was, in fact, a double whip rather than a goad, and therefore striking with it was insulting, but not perilous. Furthermore, the way in which Laius travelled is clarified, and his τροχηλάτης is shown to be the same person as κῆρυξ and ἡγεμών, walking ahead and controlling the animals in harness.

The study focuses on six etymologies explicitly attributed to Soranus of Ephesus by one source at least (χολάδες, λύπη, μασχάλη, κράτα, κρανίον, σιαγών). A comparison between the texts of Orion, Meletius and the Byzantine Etymologica shows that all the sources ascribe to Soranus etymologies that were not his, as a result of a loss of information or of a misunderstanding of the source text, namely Orion. It also shows that Meletius’ text agrees with the Et. Gudianum and the version of Orion’s Excerpta transmitted by the Paris. gr. 2630 rather than with the main manuscript of Orion, the Paris. gr. 2653.

The paper examines a widely discussed passage in Diodorus’ Historical Library that describes the development of the social structure of the Lipari Islands. By reconstructing the history of research, terminological ambiguities are identified, forming the basis for a reinterpretation of the passage. It is demonstrated that the Liparensians implemented specific institutional orders, continually adapting to the demands of their surroundings, yet always aware of the impact and consequences of their actions.