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Supplementum Epigraphicum Graecum: 51.457


TREATY BETWEEN LYSIMACHOS AND MESSENE


Greek text:   SEG_51.457
Provenance:   Messene , Pelopponnese
Date:   c. 295 B.C. 
Tags:     exiles ,   oaths ,   treaties-kings
Format:   see key to translations

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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