DIOSCORIDES, a physician of Cilicia, who lived, as some suppose, in the age of Nero. He was originally a soldier; but afterwards he applied himself to study, and wrote a book upon medicinal herbs.
DIOSCURIA (διοςκουρία; from Διος, Jupiter, and κάρυς, infants), in antiquity, a festival in honour of the Διόςκουροι, or Castor and Pollux, who were reputed to be the sons of Jupiter. It was observed by the Cyreneans, but more especially by the Spartans, whose country was honoured by the birth of these heroes. The solemnity was full of mirth, being a time wherein they shared plentifully of the gifts of Bacchus, and diverted themselves with sports, of which wrestling matches always made a part.