Nephele Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 Can anyone here corroborate the following about the "hyperetae" of the Library of Alexandria? From Bibliotheca Alexandria by Sameh M. Arab. MD, PhD: "Hyperetae" were library assistants who were in charge of registration and classification of the books. This included its source, author's name, and that of the scholar who edited the text. Also, can anyone here read Greek? A Google search on "hyperetae" turned up a few possiblities, and a likely source of information might be that fourth website given in the list -- the PDF file in Greek. What I'd like to find out is whether or not women were admitted to this class of worker at the Library of Alexandria, and were the hyperetae free citizens or slaves? Short of e-mailing Dr. Arab directly (and I can't find a contact e-mail address for him, anyway), I figured I'd roust out you guys here. Thanks in advance. -- Nephele Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Dalby Posted April 11, 2007 Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 Can anyone here corroborate the following about the "hyperetae" of the Library of Alexandria? From Bibliotheca Alexandria by Sameh M. Arab. MD, PhD: "Hyperetae" were library assistants who were in charge of registration and classification of the books. This included its source, author's name, and that of the scholar who edited the text. Also, can anyone here read Greek? A Google search on "hyperetae" turned up a few possiblities, and a likely source of information might be that fourth website given in the list -- the PDF file in Greek. Well, I can read Greek, but I'm on my way to York! I don't have any sources with me (or broadband) so I can't do much for a week or so. Sorry, Nephele. So far as I know, hyperetes means an 'assistant' of one sort or another. I don't remember ever seeing any evidence about assistants in the Library at Alexandria, but no doubt Dr Arab may have found some. However, I do know of a few surviving extracts from the catalogue, which was compiled by (or under the direction of) Callimachus, poet and librarian. These extracts occur in the work of Athenaeus, who quotes lists of authors about cookery (his special interest). There may be a few others too. I think that's all I can tell you right now. Maybe others will add more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nephele Posted April 11, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2007 Well, I can read Greek, but I'm on my way to York! I don't have any sources with me (or broadband) so I can't do much for a week or so. Sorry, Nephele. So far as I know, hyperetes means an 'assistant' of one sort or another. I don't remember ever seeing any evidence about assistants in the Library at Alexandria, but no doubt Dr Arab may have found some. However, I do know of a few surviving extracts from the catalogue, which was compiled by (or under the direction of) Callimachus, poet and librarian. These extracts occur in the work of Athenaeus, who quotes lists of authors about cookery (his special interest). There may be a few others too. I think that's all I can tell you right now. Maybe others will add more. Thanks, A.D., for the response. Hey, have a GREAT time at the Meet-up in York! I am soooo envious! -- Nephele Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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