Teos and Abdera: Two Cities in Peace and War

In late summer 2017, Turkish excavations at the site of Teos in Ionia uncovered one of the largest and most important Greek inscriptions to have been discovered this century. The new text is startling testimony to the ancestral friendship- and support-networks that existed between Greek poleis in the Hellenistic world. It offers a full reassessment of the epigraphic and literary evidence for relations between Teos and Abdera, providing a comprehensive long-term history of the two cities from the sixth to the second century BC. The book also includes major new editions of the Teian Dirae and the second-century decree of Abdera for the Teian ambassadors Amymon and Megathymos, as well as two further new texts from the sanctuary of Dionysos at Teos.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 11 March 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

In the late summer of 2017, remarkable discoveries were made during ongoing Turkish excavations at the site of Teos in Ionia. Among these findings was one of the most significant Greek inscriptions to be unearthed in the past century. This inscription vividly chronicles the remarkable assistance provided by the Teians in the repopulation and reconstruction of their daughter-city, Abdera, in Thrace, following its sack by the Romans in 170 BC during the Third Macedonian War. Presented here for the first time, this new text serves as a startling testament to the deep-rooted ancestral friendship and support networks that existed between Greek poleis in the Hellenistic world. Among its many remarkable details, it includes the longest surviving description of an honorific statue from the ancient world.

In the wake of this groundbreaking discovery, the authors present a comprehensive reassessment of the epigraphic and literary evidence for relations between Teos and Abdera. This comprehensive long-term history spans from the sixth to the second century BC, providing a thorough account of the two cities' development. The book also includes significant new editions of the Teian Dirae, public curses issued by Teos and Abdera in the early fifth century BC, as well as the second-century decree of Abdera for the Teian ambassadors Amymon and Megathymos. Additionally, two further new texts from the sanctuary of Dionysos at Teos have been discovered.

These discoveries not only shed light on the historical connections between Teos and Abdera but also contribute to our understanding of the broader Hellenistic world. They highlight the intricate networks of alliances and rivalries that shaped ancient Greek society and the complex dynamics of power and influence that played out within these communities. The Teian inscription serves as a valuable resource for scholars and researchers, providing new insights into the cultural, political, and social developments of the ancient world.

In conclusion, the recent discoveries at Teos have opened up a new chapter in the study of ancient Greek history and culture. The Teian inscription is a remarkable testament to the enduring legacy of ancestral friendship and support networks that existed between Greek poleis in the Hellenistic world. It offers a comprehensive long-term history of Teos and Abdera, shedding light on the complex relationships and interactions between these cities and their broader cultural context. These discoveries will undoubtedly inspire further research and exploration into the rich tapestry of ancient Greek history and culture.

Weight: 648g
Dimension: 166 x 242 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192845429