Palimpsest and virtual presence: a reading of space and dedications at the Amphiareion at Oropos in the Hellenistic period

This chapter explores pilgrimage to the healing and oracular sanctuary of Amphiaraos at Oropos on the border between Attica and Boiotia in the Hellenistic cultural context. It begins with an analysis of the space as a material palimpsest, paying special attention to any buildings put up in and amongst the Classical architecture. The chapter argues that within the theatre there is a concern to create both a self-contained physical space and an illusory virtual space through scenery panels. It focuses on dedications set up or reused in the Hellenistic period and argues that these also instantiate the two themes of the palimpsest and virtuality. The chapter explores the use of votives in Hellenistic literature, in particular through collections of dedicatory epigrams by Posidippus and Nossis, and Herondas' fourth Mimiamb. The theme is introduced with a brief consideration of Hellenistic literature on votives, followed by an examination of four dedications from the Amphareion.