Diogenes of Oenoanda's great Epicurean inscription in Lycia. Diogenes of Oenoanda commissioned the great inscription to address the ignorance of his fellow citizens, who largely did not share his Epicurean convictions. The inscription presented a comprehensive summary of orthodox Epicureanism, covering physics, ethics, and a sustained polemic against the Stoic view of the gods. The last part of the inscription was an original treatise on old age composed by Diogenes himself.
In the highlands of Lycia, Diogenes of Oenoanda erected a massive inscription to share Epicurean philosophy with neighbors who didn't share his views. It covered physics, ethics, and critiques of Stoic theology, plus an original treatise on old age he wrote himself. The inscription stood for over a century before being quarried for building stone in late antiquity. What a loss — and what a find!
Key Facts
- Diogenes of Oenoanda commissioned the great inscription to address the ignorance of his fellow citizens, who largely did not share his Epicurean convictions.
- The inscription presented a comprehensive summary of orthodox Epicureanism, covering physics, ethics, and a sustained polemic against the Stoic view of the gods.
- The last part of the inscription was an original treatise on old age composed by Diogenes himself.
- The inscription stood for over a century before being demolished for building material in late antiquity.
- It proclaimed Diogenes' faith in the power of Epicurean philosophy to free the people of Oenoanda from fear.
Related site: Oenoanda — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: The Most Controversial Ancient Philosophy by toldinstone