Erotianus, Vocum Hippocraticarum collection Klein 100.9-10 (ed. Nachmanson)

Greek Learning Greek
1

Dear Friends,

I really think I’ve finally got one, but as I’ve thought that many times, I would greatly appreciate your feedback!

EROTIANUS, 1st century AD

Ἀχ 139. A description of Oiniadai mentions its proximity to the streams [at the mouth] of the Acheloios.

Vocum Hippocraticarum collection Klein 100.9-10 (ed. Nachmanson):

Οἰνιάδαι· πόλις Αἰτωλίας, κειμένη παρὰ ταῖς Ἀχελῴου τοῦ ποταμοῦ πηγαῖς.

Trans. Molinari:

Oiniadai: an Aetolian city, situated near the streams of the Achelous river.

NOTES: Nom. sing: Nom. sing. / Gen. sing., / Participle / Prepositions / dative plural definite article / Gen. sing. + Gen. sing. / Dative plural.

Question: Could πηγαῖς be rendered “streams [at the mouth]”?

Themata: Geography; Location: Aitolia/Akarnania

2

My first thought is “sources” for πηγαῖς, opposite of mouth, and “at” rather than “near” for παρά + dat.

3

Thank you. My first translation had “sources” but Oiniadai is at the mouth of the Acheloios, so I looked into alternatives. The source of the Acheloios is far north in the Pindus mountains, within the region of Thessaly. At the mouth there were presumably various streams that poured out into the sea.

4

Perhaps Erotianus was mistaken?

5

Well, maybe “streams” or “waters”, as you had first is best then. A river is more often spoken of as having only a single source anyway.