ABSTRACT
In the heroic world of Homer riches are of two kinds: the durable and storable valuables (x£i^Y[A,ux - keimeilia, a word which derives from the verb X¿Í\JMI, keimai, which means 'to rest') and the movable property, that is, slaves, cattle or any kind of livestock (TiQO^ctTa - provata, from the verb 3tQO@aivo - to walk, to proceed) (Od., 2.75; Benveniste, 1973; also van Wees, 1992: 244). Keimeilia keitai (rest) usually (//., 6.47; Od., 4.613; 15.101; 21.10) in the thalamos (OáÁajxoc) of the palace. Frequently next to the word keimeilia appear the words TtoAAá xca ÉcG^á (polla ke esthla — many and good of their kind),1 a phrase that denotes the abundance and richness of these treasuries, as well as the importance that the possession and keeping of these objects had for the owner as indications of wealth and distinction, as prestige objects that belong to the warrior and indicate his rank and wealth. A common formula when these objects are discussed is that they are made of gold, bronze or iron (//., 18.289).2
