Inventory number
Ακρ. 6509
Artist
Attic workshop
Category
Inscription
Period
Classical Period
Date
446/5 BC
Dimensions
Height: 1.35 m
Length: 0.43 m
Width: 0.13 m
Material
Marble from Penteli
Location
South vestibule. Parthenon Gallery
Found in 1876 near the south walls on the Acropolis. According to some indications a similar stele was probably fitted at this stele’s left side and both of them were crowned by a third block bearing the relief decoration and the name of the secretary of the Council.
The text written in the attic alphabet inscribed stoichedon in 80 lines consists of two decrees by the Council and the Citizens Assembly. The text concerns Chalkis, a city on the coast of Euboea, and includes an addendum to the second decision. The two decrees specify the terms under which Chalkis would return under Athens’ sway after the Euboean cities’ rebellion in 447/6 BC.
The first decree after Diognetos’ proposal concerns the oath taken by the Athenian Council not to destroy Chalkis or harm its citizens as Athens will not deprive the latter from their civic rights. Accordingly, no Athenian will exile or take prisoner or execute any Chalkidian without a trial or the authority of the Athenian Council. Chalkis on the other hand will obey Athens, come to Athens’ aid in case she is attacked, revolt against her neither in word nor deed, and pay the tribute to be agreed.
According to the second decree, after Antikles’ relevant proposal, the Athenians and Chalkidians will make an oath following the example of Eretria and five Athenians will be elected and sent to Chalkis and exact the oath. A prisoners’ exchange is also mentioned whereas the taxes to be paid by foreigners that live in Chalkis are defined.
Further down is inscribed the decree on the election of three men by the Council. These men along with someone named Ierokles are put in charge of the sacrifices to be held in Euboea in accordance with the oracle orders. Finally, the additional text to the second decree contains Archestratos’ proposal according to which the Chalkidians could hold officials to account on their behalf in Chalkis and the guarding of Euboea both to be done in the best interests of the Athenians.
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