试论古代雅典“sycophant”的含义

Discussion on the Meaning of"sycophant"in Ancient Athens

古希腊单词"sycophant"指古代雅典的讼师。"sycophant"一词最早出现于梭伦改革时期,最初的含义与无花果紧密联系,或指非法出口无花果的人,或指偷盗无花果的人。公元前5—前4世纪,"sycophant"频繁出现在诉讼领域,特别是阿里斯托芬喜剧和阿提卡演说家的演说辞中,多次出现"sycophant"。此时,"sycophant"特指诉讼领域的讼师,通过诉讼获得金钱利益。近现代学者就"sycophant"的含义提出了不同的观点,各有其合理性。

Ancient Greek word"sycophant"refers to the litigator of ancient Athens."Sycophant"first appeared during Solon’s reform,and the original meaning was closely related to figs.It either referred to those who illegally exported figs or those who stole them.The"sycophant"appeared frequently in the litigation field,especially in Aristophane comedy and the speeches of Attica orator,"sycophant"appeared many times in the 5 th and 4 th centuries BC.At this time,"sycophant"referred to the litigator in the field of litigation who get money through litigation.Modern scholars put forward different views on the meaning of sycophant and each viewpoint has its reasonable explanation.