Although the exact date of this treaty is unknown, it is probably connected to the invasion of the Peloponnese by Demetrios Poliorketes in 295 B.C., during which he besieged Messene; see I.Kralli, "The Hellenistic Peloponnese: Interstate Relations", pp.102-3 ( Google Books ). The diversion was useful to Lysimachos, who was able to seize control of Demetrios? possessions in Asia Minor ( Plutarch, Demetr_35.3 ).
With [good] fortune. [Alliance and friendship of king] Lysimachos and the [descendants] of Lysimachos [with the] Messenians, [for] all time and without fraud.
There shall be alliance [and friendship] between the Messenians and Lysimachos on [the following terms. If] anyone [campaigns against] Lysimachos or [makes war] on the [territory] of Lysimachos or on [the] allies of Lysimachos, or [abolishes] his kingdom or brings back the exiles, the Messenians shall on [request] come to his aid, as far as possible. And if anyone campaigns against the Messenians [or against the] allies of the Messenians, or abolishes [or betrays their] state, 10 or brings back their exiles, [Lysimachos] shall come to their aid [in full strength, as] the Messenians request . . . [they shall] have [the same friends] and enemies. And [the Messenians] shall not put [an end to war] against the enemies of Lysimachos, [unless he agrees, nor] shall Lysimachos put an end to war against the enemies of the Messenians, [unless the Messenians agree]. Lysimachos shall rescue . . . they need when he is requested, [as far as possible].
[Oath of the Messenians]: I swear by Zeus, Gaia, Helios, Athena, and [all the] gods [and goddesses of oaths], that I will [abide] by the friendship and alliance [with king Lysimachos] and his descendants, without fraud [for all time, 20 and I will not contravene the terms], nor will I undermine it by [any] device, [nor will I permit anyone else to do so], as far as possible. If I am true to my oath, [may I have many blessings]; if I break my oath, may the opposite [happen].
. . . the ephors swore . . .
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