# Learn about our fellows’ research projects: Aggelos Mefsout on the cult of Apollo Delios and his takes from the CHS fellowship April 19, 2023 ## Guest post by Aggelos Mefsout, Pre-doctoral Fellow in Hellenic Studies 2022–23 ### Research topic during fellowship: Multiple cult epithets within the *polis*: Apollo Delios as a case study During the ongoing study addressing the cult of Apollo Delios and its diffusion in the Aegean, which I have undertaken in the framework of my doctoral dissertation, I am constantly confronted with the issue of the parallel presence of distinct cults of Apollo within the cultic and ritual context of the same polis. The research carried out under the CHS fellowship was combined with the subject matter of my doctoral dissertation in an effort to elucidate the meaning of a variety of cult epithets that Apollo bears within the cultic life of ancient Greek communities. The toponymic epiclesis of “Delios” – hinting at the prime origin of the cult – does not, at first sight, provide further information on the specific qualities of the deity bearing this epiclesis. Using four cities where the cult of Apollo Delios is attested as examples (Paros, Thasos, Kos, Kameiros), I tried to provide an overview of the totality of the cults in honor of Apollo and the corresponding epithets. In this respect, an engagement in the interpretation of the meaning of the other epithets – besides that of ‘Delios’ – and their corresponding characteristics threw into relief the needs that all those cults fulfilled within the cities under examination. Moreover, my research brought to light the distinctive character of the cult of Apollo Delios vis-à-vis the other cults of the god. In this way, I tried to approach one of the main questions of my ongoing dissertation, which is the understanding of the original meaning of the epithet and, eventually, the identification of the specific needs of the devotees that this particular epiclesis fulfilled within the specific religious and sociopolitical context of every single polis. Along with the effort to understand the meaning of Apollo Deliοs, the examination of the attested epithets of the god in the cities examined was an opportunity to approach the specific qualities that Apollo could obtain through the use of a multitude of cultic epithets, as well as his impact on the religious landscape of the aforementioned cities. This particular task would have been extremely difficult without the benefits of the fellowship. The access to Harvard University’s online databases, and especially the Scan & Deliver service, decisively contributed to the completion of the article in the context of the fellowship but also allowed access to the bibliography necessary for my doctoral dissertation. The financial support offered by the fellowship was also particularly helpful for the purchase of books necessary for the continuation of my research. Furthermore, I would also like to mention my participation, as part of the fellowship, in the 11th International Scholars’ Symposium, organized by the International Olympic Academy and the CHS in ancient Olympia (“Olympia and the search for Identity” in honor of the Ionian heritage, July 12-15, 2022), where I had the pleasure to meet prominent academics and engage in exceptionally productive discussions. Finally, the educational trip to Washington, DC, was of extreme importance since I had the opportunity to meet other fellows and present the results of my research. At the same time, I was able to take advantage of the rich library of the CHS while also visiting the world-renowned cultural institutions, architectural landmarks, and historical sites of the U.S. capital. Finally, I would like to mention the excellent collaboration with my academic advisor, Associate Professor Melina Tamiolaki, who has been extremely supportive and provided useful guidance throughout my appointment as a CHS fellow. ## About Aggelos Mefsout ![aggelos_mefsout.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum7151/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/chsgreece/files/aggelos_mefsout.jpg?itok=ZMpcCI-P) Aggelos Mefsout is a Ph.D. candidate in Classical Archaeology. He was born and raised in Volos, Greece. After completing his undergraduate studies at the Department of History and Archaeology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2017, he continued his postgraduate studies in Classical Archaeology at the same University, where he submitted his dissertation in 2019 entitled ‘Cult and Sanctuaries of Apollo and Artemis in Ancient Thessaly’ under the supervision of professor Aliki Moustaka. Since 2021 he has been a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Crete under the supervision of Professor Dimitrios Bosnakis. His forthcoming thesis deals with the spread of the cult of Apollo Delios in the Aegean. His research interests are focused on ancient Greek religion and sculpture. Since 2018 he has been a member of the archaeological project of Krannon in Thessaly, organized by the University of Crete. He has received the A.G. Leventis Foundation Educational Grant, and he is currently working as an archaeologist at the Ephorate of Antiquities of Florina.## Pre-doctoral Fellowships in Hellenic Studies The annual Pre-doctoral Fellowships in Hellenic Studies program welcomes up to 3 Ph.D. candidates from all Greek universities who conduct research on topics related to ancient Greek civilization. Find out more about this research opportunity on the [Pre-doctoral Fellowships in Hellenic Studies webpage](/research-fellowships/hellenic-studies-predoc). See also:- [ Research Opportunities ](/activities-type/research-opportunities) - [ Ancient Greece ](/activities-field/ancient-greece) - [ Classics ](/activities-field/classics) - [ Pre-doc researchers ](/target-audience/pre-doc-researchers) - [ Researchers ](/target-audience/researchers) Share on:- [ Facebook ](#) - [ Twitter ](#) - [ Linkedin ](#)