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Sylloge Inscriptionum Graecarum: 472


MESSENE CONFIRMS ISOPOLITEIA WITH PHIGALEIA

Greek text:   IG_5.2.419   ( see also IG_2³.1.1022 )
Date:     c. 240 B.C.
Tags:     arbitration ,   isopoliteia ,   oaths
Format:   see key to translations

For some comments on the significance of this agreement, see S.L.Ager, "Interstate Arbitrations in the Greek World, 337–90 B.C.", pp.123-4 ( Google Books ); the role of the Aetolians as arbitrators between the two cities is discussed by J.B.Scholten, "The Politics of Plunder", pp.121-2 ( Google Books ).

[A] Since Timaios, Kleopatros . . . have arrived as envoys and arbitrators from the Aetolians; they have handed to us the decree of the Aetolians and have themselves spoken in a manner consistent with the decrees, urging us to be reconciled with the Phigaleans; and since envoys from the Phigaleans also have arrived to urge the same thing, namely:

therefore it is resolved by the city of the Messenians, that there shall be isopoliteia between the Messenians and the Phigaleans, and intermarriage between the two peoples; that they shall confirm an agreement, as seems appropriate to both cities; and that each of them, the Messenians and the Phigaleans, shall continue to reap the produce of their territory, just as they do now. Whatever other terms they agree with each other, they shall both swear to them, and they shall set up inscribed stones in the temples, whichever seem appropriate to both the cities. But if the Phigaleans do not remain in friendship with the Messenians and the Aetolians, this agreement shall be invalid.

[B] It is resolved by the Phigaleans, to do as the Messenians have voted.

[C] Oath of the Messenians: I swear by Zeus of Ithome, Hera . . . and all the gods of oaths, that I will remain . . . in the existing friendship towards the Aetolians and the Phigaleans . . .

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