From the book
Empedocles’ The Testimonia, Volume II
Empedocles of Acragas · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordThe adjective Delphikos associates the wreath or garlands with Delphi.
- In this workThe Life gives a singular Delphic wreath as part of the costume, while the Suda places plural Delphic garlands in Empedocles’ hands.
- In this editionThe plant species and a formal religious office should not be supplied from the adjective alone.
- A place to readLists a singular Delphic wreath.
Meaning
The adjective Delphikos associates the wreath or garlands with Delphi. The Greek does not specify the plant material in these biographical notices; “laurel” is explicit instead in Lucretius’ later comparison with the Pythia.
Use in the book
The Life gives a singular Delphic wreath as part of the costume, while the Suda places plural Delphic garlands in Empedocles’ hands. The designation adds a recognizable sacred association to clothing otherwise interpreted as royal or divine. It does not by itself establish priesthood, an office at Delphi, or a particular initiation. The Latin reception supplies a related but distinct image: Lucretius compares philosophical pronouncements from the heart with answers given by the Pythia from Apollo’s tripod and laurel. That comparison concerns epistemic authority, not the historical provenance of Empedocles’ costume. The shared Delphic field is therefore useful for understanding reception, provided material biography and poetic analogy remain separate.
Places to read
- A 1 §§ 73–74 (biography)2Diogenes Laertius VIII 72–73. Lists a singular Delphic wreath.
- A 2 (biography)The Suda. Moves plural Delphic garlands into the hands.
- Appendix I Lucretius (reception)Lucretius, On the Nature of Things I 734–741. Uses Apollo’s tripod and laurel in a comparison with philosophical discovery.
Translation in this edition
The plant species and a formal religious office should not be supplied from the adjective alone. The singular/plural and worn/held variations should remain visible in any account of the costume.