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Supplementum Epigraphicum Graecum: 63.399


TWO DECREES OF IOLKOS


Greek text:   SEG_63.399
Provenance:   Iolkos , Thessaly
Date:   276-239 B.C.
Format:   see key to translations

These two decrees can be dated to the reign of Antigonos Gonatas. The 'founders' in decree B were probably Antigonos and his father Demetrios. The translation is adapted from S. Kravaritou, "Thessalian Perceptions of Ruler Cult: archegetai and ktistai from Demetrias", pp.267-274 ( academia.edu ), which should be consulted for further information about the interpretation of the decrees.

Iolkos was one of the towns which were merged together to form the new city of Demetrias in 293 B.C. So it is surprising to find decrees issued by Iolkos later in the 3rd century. The Greek word demos could be translated in this context either as 'deme' or more generally as 'people'.



[A]   It was resolved by the demos of the Iolkians. [As proposed by . . .:   Since the] king, Antigonos, in [the past always manifestly] preserved [goodwill towards the demos and piety] towards his ancestors, and he took care of the city in public, [and, in private, of the demos of the] Iolkians, and recalling to mind [these things (?) he met with the demos] in order to establish the games, [as exactly did his father] Demetrios, offering [ the customary sacrifices to Artemis ] and to Leto and Apollo [and to the other gods and the] heroes occupying the [demos of the Iolkians, (?) and stopped all the] sufferings that [happened to the demos] . . .

[B]   [As proposed by . . .: It was resolved by the (?) Iolkians.]   Since the common [sacrifices for the first leaders {archegetai} and founders {ktistai}] are limited in scope, [and no other] sacrifices are performed, [the demos of the Iolkians] shall sacrifice according to the ancestral customs, [to the] first leaders and founders [of the demos, so that there be no] wrath [from them towards the city for neglecting] the heroes, but, being in good health, [both the citizens and the foreigners who] reside with them [may be able in the future to join in increasing both the] city and the land in the [best way by doing what is proper for] the gods [and the heroes].


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