Sylloge Inscriptionum Graecarum: 614

DELPHI HONOURS ARBITRATORS SENT BY RHODES

Greek text: FD_3.3.383
Date: c. 180/79 B.C.
Tags: arbitration
Format: see key to translations

Territorial disputes between Delphi and the neighbouring city of Amphissa occurred on many occasions, and were exacerbated rather than resolved by the grants made by M'. Acilius Glabrio in 190 B.C. In this instance, Delphi awarded honours to the arbitrators from Rhodes, even though they could not make a decision because the representatives from Amphissa failed to attend. For some comments on the attempted arbitration, see S.L.Ager, "Interstate Arbitrations in the Greek World, 337-90 B.C.", no. 117 ( Google Books ).

[When the archon was Mantias, and the members of the] council [were Diodoros, Xenon and Sosikrates, it was resolved by the city] of Delphi in [full] assembly, [with the votes as prescribed by law]: since the people of Rhodes, who are [our] friends and well-disposed towards us, [in previous] times have given many demonstrations [of their piety towards the god] and their good attitude and [goodwill] towards the city;[ and now, when we sent] as envoys to them [Praxias] son of Eudokos, the proxenos of the Rhodians, and Eukrates son of Kallikon, to request [on behalf of the Delphians] that they send some persons to make a judgement about [the precincts] and [about the boundaries] of the land, which is disputed between the Amphissians [and the] city, they received the envoys with kindness; and [in a manner worthy of the friendship that] exists between us, they sent nine men out of their citizens, who [were tasked] on their arrival with giving a decision; but because the Amphissians were unwilling to come [to the place], the decision could not be made; and concerning this the arbitrators, in accordance with the [request of the city], have described [what happened] in a fine [and] holy manner; therefore, in order that the people of Rhodes may know the good attitude and goodwill of the Delphians [towards them], with good fortune it is resolved by the city to praise the people [of Rhodes] for their piety towards the temple and their [goodwill and] nobleness towards the city; and to urge them for the future to retain their goodwill towards the Delphians as is fitting; and to praise the arbitrators who were appointed to make a decision [about the land], namely:

Euphaniskos son of Kallixeinos, adopted by Nikasidamos
[Pistoxenos] son of Pythodotos, adopted by Theris
Gorgon son of Kleisimbrotos
[Peithiadas] son of Kleombrotos
Bolion son of Axandros
Agetor son of Damostratos, [adopted by] Timostratos
Euelthon son of Antidotos
Straton [son of Aristokrates]
Kleonymos son of Damokrates

because on their arrival they co-operated with our [city] in all matters, lacking [nothing] in their eagerness and honourable conduct to help us achieve a successful solution to the dispute; and they conducted themselves during their residence here in a [fine] manner, worthy of themselves and of those who sent [them]; and it is resolved to grant them proxeny and priority in access to the oracle and inviolability [and privileged seating] at all the games that the city holds, and all the other rights that are granted to [the other] proxenoi and benefactors of the city; and to send to them the greatest [gifts of hospitality] that are sanctioned by law; and that the magistrates shall take care of [their] security, so that they are escorted to wherever [they wish]. Their proxeny shall be inscribed in the council house as is [customary, and this] decree shall be inscribed on the base of the golden chariot [that was dedicated to the god by] the people of Rhodes.

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