Quaestiones Graecae

Who were the “dusty-feet” and the “directors” in Epidaurus?

There were one hundred and eighty men who directed the State. From these they used to elect councillors whom they called “directors.” But the majority of the populace spent their life in the coun try. They were called “dusty-feet” since, as one may conjecture, they were recognized by their dust-covered feet whenever they carne down to the city.

Who was the “woman that rode on a donkey” at Cumae?

Any woman taken in adultery they used to bring into the market-place and set her on a certam stone in plain sight of everyone. In like manner they then proceeded to mount her upon a donkey, and when she had been led about the circuit of the entire city, she was required again to take her stand upon the same stone, and for the rest of her life to continue in disgrace, bearing the name “donkey-rider.” After this ceremony they believed that the stone was unclean and they used ritually to purify it.