The two letters A and B were written by Sp. Postumius Albinus, who was Roman consul in 186 B.C., in response to a request by envoys from Delphi; the envoys were probably seeking further protection for their city against any challenges to the generous grants made by M'. Acilius Glabrio ( Syll_609 ). It is unclear whether the decree C belongs to the same period; the praetor mentioned in it may possibly be Cn. Octavius, who was Roman consul in 165 B.C.
[A] [The Roman praetor Spurius Postumius, son of Lucius, to the magistrates and city of Delphi, greetings. Your envoys, Boulon, Thrasykles and Orestas, have discussed with us about the inviolability of your temple and your city and territory, and also about its freedom and exemption from tribute,] requesting that [this should be granted to you by the people of Rome].
[Know then that it was resolved by the senate that the temple] of [Pythian] Apollo [shall be inviolable; and that the city and territory of Delphi and its citizens shall be autonomous] and free and immune from taxation, [dwelling on their own and administering their own government], with jurisdiction [over the sacred territory] and the sacred harbour, as has been their ancestral [right since ancient times]. We have decided write to you [about this, so that you may know what was decided].
[B] The Roman praetor Spurius Postumius, son of Lucius, to the league of the Amphictyons, [greetings. The envoys of the Delphians], Boulon, Thrasykles and Orestas, [have discussed with us] about the inviolability of their temple and their city and [territory], and also about its freedom and exemption from tribute, requesting that this should be granted to them by [the people of Rome].
Know then that it was resolved by the senate that the temple of Pythian Apollo [shall be inviolable; and] that the city and territory of Delphi and its citizens shall be autonomous] and free and [immune from taxation, dwelling] on their own and administering their own government, with jurisdiction over the sacred territory [and the sacred] harbour, as [has been] their ancestral right since ancient times. We have decided write to you [about this, so that] you may know what was decided.
[C] May 4th [in (?) the Comitium . . .]; the praetor . . . Octavius, son of Gnaeus, consulted the senate; . . . son of Publius, Manius . . ., Gaius Atinius, son of Gaius, Tiberius . . . [were present] at the drafting of the decree.
[Whereas] the Delphians spoke [about] inviolability [of their temple], and the freedom of their city, [and its right of autonomy and exemption from taxation], it was resolved [as follows] in regard to the said matter: "Just as formerly [(?) the senate] decided . . . it is resolved to abide by that [decision]."
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