Although there is not much other evidence for Hellenistic Greek institutions in Cappadocia, this decree is purely Greek in character, except for the personal names, some of which are clearly native to the region. The translation is adapted from C.Michels, in "Shifting Social Imaginaries in the Hellenistic Period", page 287 ( Google Books ).
L.Robert dated the inscription to the late 2nd or early 1st century B.C., but recent writers have stressed its connection to the philhellenic policy of Ariarathes V, which makes a slightly earlier date likely; see A.Cassayre, "La justice sur les pierres", no. 32, page 190 ( PDF ). Although the inscription appears to quote a regnal year at the start, the interpretation of the year numbers of the Cappadocian kings is controversial.
With good fortune. In year 7, in the month of Dios, at Hanisa, when Papos son of Balasopos was demiourgos; it was resolved by the council and the people, as proposed by the prytaneis: since Apollonios son of Abbas has always been an excellent man for our community; and when serving as archon for the fourth year, he - while [providing] other [services] - also enforced the claims of the people to the property of Sindenos son of Apollonios, who had died without heir, and incurring expenses and trouble, he appealed in Eusebeia for a legal decision before Menophilos son of Maidates, the chief dioiketes, and Alexander son of Sasas, the city governor of Eusebeia, against Anoptenes son of Teires, who laid claim on the inheritance and against certain other citizens; and he did not abandon the people, but showing diligence and love for honour, he secured the inheritance for the people by the judgment; therefore it is resolved by the council and the people that the excellence of this man shall not remain unremarked, but in accordance with the vote that occurred in the council and in the assembly, he shall have the status of benefactor of the people, and he shall be crowned with a golden crown both at the festival of Zeus Soter and of Herakles, as well as at the public assemblies taking place monthly and annually, while the sacred herald shall proclaim at the same time: ?The people crowns Apollonios son of Abbas with a golden crown - with good fortune.? A copy of this decree shall be inscribed on a bronze
tablet and it shall be inscribed in the vestibule {pronaos} of the sanctuary of Astartē so that also others, having witnessed the gratitude of the people, will always strive to provide some benefit to the city. It was resolved.
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