Not much is known about the early stages of the revolt of Aristonikos, but this inscription suggests a lot happened ? including a siege of Kyzikos in the far north-west of Asia Minor, and a voyage by Machaon to Rome and back ? before the Roman commanders arrived in Asia; see D.Potter, "Where did Aristonicus? Revolt begin?" ( PDF ).
There is a study of the war against Aristonikos, with French translations of this and other inscriptions, by P.Brun, "Les Cités grecques et la guerre : l?exemple de la guerre d?Aristonicos" ( OpenEdition ).
It was resolved by the council and the people: since Machaon son of Asklepiades, who is a noble and good man,from the beginning always provided many great services to the city, and conducted himself in a fine and glorious manner in his magistracies and embassies; and afterwards, when war encompassed the citizens, wishing to follow his usual policy, he maintained the same goodwill and eagerness towards the populace; and when the city was surrounded, taking no account of the dangers, he willingly devoted himself to the public good, and going as envoy to Marcus Cosconius, who was then praetor in Macedonia, 10 he accomplished everything that was advantageous to the city; and when the city had need of envoys to go to the senate of the Romans, on account of the dangers that encompassed them, Machaon took no account of the losses in his personal property, but eagerly devoted himself to the embassy, and after explaining the dire condition of the city, he received a sympathetic reply, that was in line with the goodwill of the citizens towards the people of Rome and with his own honourable conduct concerning public affairs; and when the Romans crossed over to Asia he continually declared to everyone in his role as envoy what was just for the city, 20 and he did not cease to accompany the army of the Romans, whom he induced towards the goodwill of the people . . . and he genuinely took . . . of affairs; and then, when he was appointed general in command of the . . . [not shirking] danger and hardship . . .
Attalus' home page | 11.07.18 | Any comments?