“Foreign(er)”, “Strange(r)” and “Extraordinary”: xenos and its Meanings in Byzantine (Metrical) Inscriptions

The use of the term xenos (ξένος) has a very long tradition in Greek language. First used Homer’s epics, it can have various meanings. Basically, word means “foreigner”/ “stranger” but also designates “guest-friend”. As early as Aeschylus, adjective denotes “foreign” sense “extraordinary”/“unusual”. is employed inscriptions. most famous ancient inscription using transmitted Herodotus; well-known address to wandering stranger who asked tell people Sparta that he seen fallen Lacedaemonians at Thermopylae. In late antique and Byzantine inscriptions (as well literary texts) xene often (metrical) epitaphs. Thermopylae epigram, stop, look tomb think deceased. Two further meanings are metrical inscriptions: (and its female form xene) common for monks nuns); they escaped worldly life xenoi on earth. many cases “extraordinary”/“unusual”; this especially true description buildings objects which attached but, e.g., reliquaries order describe saint’s qualities. contribution, I will from Antiquity onward with specific focus