Abstract

This article aims to study the relationships between Cynicism and Judaism, focusing on the figure of Oenomaus of Gadara. After a presentation of his figure and philosophy, I will examine whether Oenomaus could be the same person as Abnimos (or Abnomos)-ha-Gardi, a name used in various ancient Jewish sources to refer to a respected pagan philosopher. Particularly, through my analysis, I will argue that Abnimos (or Abnomos) is not meant to represent a specific historical individual, but a general image of the Greek philosopher. This leads to the central question: why do Jewish sources use the name “Oenomaus of Gadaraµ (referred to as Abnimos/ Abnomos-ha-Gardi) to positively symbolize the Greek philosopher in general? I will explain this favorable portrayal of Oenomaus in Jewish texts by comparing it with the different interpretations of this Cynic philosopher provided in pagan (Julian the Emperor) and Christian (Eusebius of Caesarea) contexts.