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Acesas

Acesas ( ) was a native of Salamis in Cyprus famed for his skill in weaving cloth with variegated patterns (polymitarius). Acesas and his son Helicon, who distinguished himself in the same art, are mentioned by Athenaeus. Zenobius speaks of both artists, but says that Acesas (or, as he calls him, Aceseus, ) was a native of Patara, and Helicon of Carystus. He tells us also that they were the first who made a peplos for Athena Polias. While the exact time of their lives is unknown, it must have been before the time of Euripides and Plato, who mention the peplos they made. A specimen of the workmanship of these two artists was preserved in the temple at Delphi, bearing an inscription to the effect that Pallas had imparted marvelous skill to their hands.

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Article summary

Acesas ( ) was a native of Salamis in Cyprus famed for his skill in weaving cloth with variegated patterns (polymitarius). Acesas and his son Helicon, who distinguished himself in the same art, are mentioned by Athenaeus. Zenobius speaks of both artists, but says that Acesas (or, as he calls him, Aceseus, ) was a native of Patara, and Helicon of Carystus. He tells us also that they were the first who made a peplos for Athena Polias. While the exact time of their lives is unknown, it must have been before the time of Euripides and Plato, who mention the peplos they made. A specimen of the workmanship of these two artists was preserved in the temple at Delphi, bearing an inscription to the effect that Pallas had imparted marvelous skill to their hands.

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Discussion questions

  1. Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
  2. Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
  3. If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?

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