[German version]

(κῆρυξ/kêryx, ‘crier’, herald). Sometimes synonymous with ἄγγελος (ángelos) or πρεσβευτής (presbeutḗs), without any strict distinction. The functions of the kêryx encompass political, diplomatic, judicial and ritual matters (cf. Poll. 8,103). In the Homeric age kḗrykes appear as heralds of basileús as well as servers in sacrificial rites (Hom. Il. 1,320-336; 3,116-120). The high regard in which they were held apparently dates back to the Mycenaean age (Linear B ka-ru-ke) [1; 2].

With the development of the polis authorities, the kêryx increasingly took on th…