A Babylonian Coat in Aristophanes’ Fragment 791 Cover Image

Płaszcz babiloński we fragmencie 791 Arystofanesa
A Babylonian Coat in Aristophanes’ Fragment 791

Author(s): Rafał Rosół
Subject(s): Ancient World, Historical Linguistics, Comparative Linguistics
Published by: Uniwersytet Adama Mickiewicza
Keywords: etymology; Oriental loanwords in Greek; Phrygian language; Akkadian language; old comedy;

Summary/Abstract: The main objective of the article is the etymology of the Greek noun βάμβαλον ‘warm coat’, which first appears in Aristophanes. In addition, its homonym βά(μ)βαλον ‘genitals’ is analysed. This investigation leads to the conclusion that the former term is a Semitic borrowing linked to the Akkadian pampallu ‘a garment or a woollen cloth’, the latter is probably a Phrygian word, perhaps introduced into Greek literature in connection with the cult of Cybele and the myth of Attis.

  • Issue Year: XXXIII/2023
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 351-357
  • Page Count: 7
  • Language: Polish