Note 1 — Chapter VIII · CALLICRATES’ MULE.

The functions of the βασιλεύς, or King Archon, were almost all connected with religion: his distinguishing title shows that he was considered a representative of the old kings in their capacity of high priest, as the Rex Sacrificulus was at Rome. Thus he presided at the Lenæan, or older Dionysia; superintended the mysteries and the games called λαμπαδηφορίαι, and had to offer up sacrifices and prayers in the Eleusinium, both at Athens and Eleusis. Moreover, indictments for impiety, and controversies about the priesthood were laid before him; and, in cases of murder, he brought the trial into the court of the Areopagus, and voted with its members. His wife, also, who was called βασίλισσα or βασίλιννα, had to offer certain sacrifices, and therefore it was required that she should be a citizen of pure blood, without stain or blemish.—Smith’s Dict. of Greek and Roman Antiquities. ↑