Terpander and the Orthian Nome

Abstract Ancient lists of Terpander’s citharodic nomes can be divided into three groups: Pseudo- Plutarch ( Mus. 1132D) names seven titles, and the Orthian is not included; Pollux (4.65) lists eight nomes, including the Orthian; lexicographers (Suid. ν 478 = Phot. Lex. ν 302; Suid. ο 574; Glossae in Herodotum 1.7, c. 24) refer to a list of seven nomes, including the Orthian. Reconstructing their common source, the author of this paper argues against the assumption that the word ὄρθιος formed part of a double title or served as a definition in the original list, which led Pseudo-Plutarch to omit it, and Pollux erroneously to indicate two nomes in place of one. It is argued that during the classical period Terpander was not considered to have invented the Orthian nome (and Terp. fr. 2 Gostoli does not belong to it), and an explanation of how he became associated with it in later sources is proposed.