Despite his remarkable service in protecting the independence of Phocis, Xanthippos was almost forgotten in later times, and this inscription provides the only definite record of his achievements. We are told that Phocians also rewarded the Athenian patriot Olympiodoros for his help in the defence of Elateia against Kassandros ( Paus_1.26'3 ). See C.P.Jones, "New Heroes in Antiquity", pp. 32-33 ( Google Books ).
[A] { On the base of a colossal statue of a lion. } The Phocians dedicated this statue to Apollo.
[B] { On the base of the statue of Xanthippos. } The Phocians dedicated to Apollo this statue of Xanthippos of Phocis, the son of Ampharetos, who liberated Elateia. Lykos son of Satyros made the statue.
"Steadfast men retain their early virtues,
O Xanthippos, nor did you idly cast aside
The extreme courage of your youth, when you saved
Elateia from Kassandros and put it in good order.
How on top of this you accomplished yet more for the Phocians,
One can learn from the words of the next plaque on this base."
[C] { Another inscription on the same base, about 285 B.C. } The Phocians dedicated to Apollo this statue of Xanthippos of Phocis, the son of Ampharetos, on account of his virtue and his goodwill towards them.
"So should it always be proclaimed, beside
Pythian Phoibos, that this man removed a curse from Greece.
For twice he loosed the terrible chains of tyranny
From their fatherland, performing mighty deeds
When Elateia was oppressed; once in his youth,
The other labour performed in his mid-age.
He convinced the king of Macedonia, Lysimachos,
To enter into a genuine friendship, and brought gold
To rescue the city and the ancient homes of the Ornytidai.
Therefore the Phocians elected him tagos ten times,
O stranger, and all offered prayers and blessings.
But now let anyone who sees Xanthippos son of Ampharetos
Say - look what great favours are given to good men."
Attalus' home page | 05.05.18 | Any comments?