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Translations of Hellenistic Inscriptions: 212


THE CRETANS RECOGNISE ANAPHE AS INVIOLABLE

Greek text:   IG_12.3.254
Provenance:   Anaphe, Cyclades Islands 
Date:     c. 200-150 B.C.
Tags:     inviolability , leagues 
Format:   see key to translations

The motives of Anaphe in seeking to be recognised as inviolable by the Cretans may have been similar to other states who sought this recognition from the Aetolians ( see for instance Syll_563 ) - in other words, to gain some protection against piratical attacks.

The translation is adapted from S.  Ager, "Hellenistic Crete and Koinodikion" ( academia.edu ). The exact meaning of the word 'koinodikion' in a Cretan context has been the subject of much debate amongst scholars.


[It was resolved] by the councillors {synedroi} and the [league {koinon}] of the Cretans, the session taking place in Knossos, while the kosmoi in Gortyn were from the Dymanes, those serving with ...ios the son of Allodamos, [for the] second time, on the 4th of the month Karneios; while the kosmoi at Knossos were from the Aithaleis, 10 those serving with Kypselos the son of ...retos, on the 4th of the month Agyios. The city and [ the land of the Anaphaians ] is to have inviolability, just as the [sanctuary] has at present, by the decree of the league of the Cretans. If anyone, setting out [from Crete], seizes the property of an Anaphaian, 20 [either] a city or a [country]-dweller, then let him be liable to [judicial action], both among the Anaphaians - in [whatever action] they should prescribe - [and] in koinodikion - without a preliminary [hearing] and without a deposit - and let the penalty be valid in accordance with the ordinance {diagramma}.

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