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Supplementum Epigraphicum Graecum: 50.936


TREATY BETWEEN POLYRHEN AND PHALASARNA


Greek text: SEG_50.936   ( IC_2.11.1 )
Provenance:   Diktynnaion , Crete
Date:   300-275 B.C.
Tags:     arbitration ,   treaties-cities
Format:   see key to translations

Two copies of this treaty have been found; the second, more complete, copy was published in 2000. The central section of the treaty has been translated into German by A.Chaniotis, "Das antike Kreta", page 94 ( Google Books ).

Kleonymos of Sparta, who is mentioned at the beginning of the treaty, is almost certainly the son of Kleomenes II. The name of one of the cities is written as Polyrhen in the inscription; elsewhere it often appears as Polyrhenia or Polyrrhenia. For an overview of relations between Sparta and Crete during this period, see R.F.Willetts, "Aristocratic Society in Ancient Crete", page 235 ( Google Books ).


Gods. The Polyrhenians and the Phalasarnians made the following agreement in the presence of Kleonymos and the other Lakedaimonians who were sent by their city - Isodamos, Kerkidas and Anadis.

We shall have the same friends and enemies, from the first day and now and for all time in Crete, each holding their own city and territory according to ancient custom and each using their own laws. With respect to what we capture, if the Polyrhenians summon help and up to twenty men are present, the Phalasarnians shall be allotted a quarter of the spoils and the money; and the Polyrhenians shall reserve the traditional portion for the god. If the Phalasarnians summon the Polyrhenians 10 and up to forty men are present, the Polyrhenians shall be allotted a quarter of the spoils and the money; and the Phalasarnians shall reserve the traditional portion for the god. The Polyrhenians shall provide supplies to the Phalasarnians in the territory of Polyrhen, and the Phalasarnians shall provide supplies to the Polyrhenians in the territory of Phalasarna; but if they make an expedition into foreign territory, each shall provide their own supplies. The Polyrhenians shall lead campaigns by land, and the Phalasarnians shall lead campaigns by sea. If anyone starts war against the Phalasarnians, the Polyrhenians shall come to their aid in full strength, as far as possible; and the Phalasarnians shall come to the aid of the Polyrhenians in the same way. The Phalasarnians shall not send an embassy about war and peace in Crete without the Polyrhenians, nor shall the Polyrhenians send an embassy without the Phalasarnians. 20 The territory of Polyrhen shall . . . to Polyrhen, and the territory of Phalasarna shall . . . to Phalasarna. A Phalasarnian shall be able to purchase land in the territory of Polyrhen; whoever wishes to do this shall work the land in the territory of Polyrhen and shall pay dues to Polyrhen . . . and shall use hunting . . .


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