To Kios allied of Athens

The inscription, carved in the Ionic alphabet, contains a decree concerning an alliance between Athens and Kios, a city on the Asian coast of the Propontis (Sea of Marmara). It was passed in 406/5 BC when the Eponymous Archon was Kallias whose name and official rank we read in the second line.

 

[Ἐρ]ωτίων ἐγραμμάτευεν Ἐλ[ευ]-

[σί]νιος·

[Κ]αλλίας Ἀγγελῆθεν ἦρχεν

[IG I³ 124]

 

Erotion from (the deme) Eleusis was secretary.

Kallias from (the deme) Angele was the Archon.

 

The decree most likely relates to particular aid that Kios provided to Athens that year: several Athenian ambassadors had been taken hostage by the Persians and Kios assisted in bringing them home safely. The figural relief on the stele’s upper part portrays the goddess Athena shaking hands with Kios, the eponymous hero of the city of Kios who was Herakles' companion.

 

Surce: Museum WEB notice

 

Marble stele

Height: 3.0 cm; Length 26.0 cm.

406/5 BC

From Athens, Propylaia.

Athens, Acropolis Museum, Inv. EM 6928

 

 

Done