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Supplementum Epigraphicum Graecum: 51.786


THE YOUTHS OF AMPHIPOLIS HONOUR PHILIPPOS


Greek text:   SEG_51.786
Provenance:     Amphipolis
Date:   105/4 B.C. 
Tags:     gymnasiarchs 
Format:   see key to translations

In this decree,  the youths of Amphipolis portrayed their gymnasiarch mainly as a reliable source of money, who was to be commended for his 'lack of avarice'; and, although this detail is missing from the inscription, he was probably expected to pay for the cost of his statue as well.


In year 43, as proposed by the youths {neoi}: since Philippos son of . . ., when he was appointed gymnasiarch, strove to make his good character and zeal even more manifest in his term of office; in the first three months the funds from the public revenues were not handed over to him because (?) the transaction was not completed; money was contributed by the users of the gymnasium for oil so that they could anoint themselves without interruption for all time, and when a considerable amount had been collected, he made an additional donation and undertook the expense of it; and when the anointing oil ran out, he gave an additional donation from his own resources; and in other respects he acted justly, fulfilling his oversight of the youths beyond what was expected; and in the following three months for a second time he provided the anointing oil from his own resources, and also he nobly and magnificently donated all the money, which was assigned to him from the public funds, to the youths to pay for oil; and he demonstrated his magnanimity by (?) providing a dinner for the older youths; and since in accordance with ancestral custom the city approves of those who conduct themselves honourably from their childhood onwards, and always gives a fitting reward to each one of them; therefore, so that others too may be encouraged to take greater care concerning each of their duties, with good fortune, it is resolved by the Amphipolitans who use the gymnasium to praise Philippos son of . . . for his good character and his lack of avarice, which he has continually shown in his day-to-day (?) management; and to honour him with a crown of olive branches and with a bronze statue; and the announcement of the honours shall be made by the . . . each year when the priest performs the sacrifice of the Pythia, so that the honours which we have given to him may be evident to everyone; and the erection of the . . . 

. . . that the statue may be carefully made, and that the decree may be inscribed on a stone stele and put in the most prominent place in the gymnasium.


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