A Study On The Honorific Decrees Of Delphi In The Hellenistic Age

Honorific decrees enacted to publicly recognize and commend persons who had performed exemplary service or served as benefactors for the polis.The honorific decrees of Delphi originated in the 4th century BC and was granted mainly from central Greece.Since the Hellenistic era,the honorific decrees of Delphi has evolved with the development of the surrounding world,passing through three stages: the early,middle and late stages.The development of the honorific decrees is an important witness to the interaction between Delphi and the polis,and also a vivid portrayal of the changes in the main body of power in the Greek world that Delphi catered to.This study adopts a chronological approach,combining historical facts and textual analysis,taking the stages of the development of the honorific decrees as the main framework and the honorific decrees issued at different times as examples,so as to get a glimpse of the intention of the Delphi.The first part introduces the development of the honorific decrees of Delphi and its characteristics.The creation and development of the honorific decrees is inextricably linked to the establishment and refinement of the Delphian democracy in the 4th century BC.The decrees follow a special writing format and can be divided into two categories in terms of their style: those that are short and are inscribed on the walls of the city are called short decrees,while those that are complete and comprehensive are called full pattern decrees.The rewards given to the grantee in the decree are divided into two categories: honorary acknowledgement and practical rewards.The honorary acknowledgements consisted mainly of ceremonial titles and honors,while the practical rewards consisted mainly of rights related to economic benefits.The second part is a compilation and examination of the honorific decrees of Delphi in each stage of the Hellenistic periods.The evolution of the honorific decrees can be divided into three stages,and the number of the honorific decrees issued and the targets of the commendations varied in different stages.In the early Hellenistic period,a total of 154 honorific decrees were found in Delphi,which focused on the members of the AntiMacedonian League and the Macedonians.In the middle of the Hellenistic period,317 honorific decrees were issued in Delphi,and Delphi focused on commending the members of the Aetolian League.In the late Hellenistic period,Delphic issued 127 honorific decrees,in which Delphic tried to enlist the Romans.The difference in the recipients of the honorific decrees reflects the changes in Delphic foreign relations.The third part examines the causes of the changes in the honorific decrees of Delphi at different times during the Hellenistic era.In the midst of the dramatic changes in the power structure of the Hellenistic world,the status of the Delphian Panhellenic religious sanctuary was also challenged and shaken.Therefore,the honorific decrees of Delphi was used as a diplomatic tool to maintain good relations with powerful subjects and to maintain its influence as a Panhellenic religious center.In conclusion,the development of the honorific decrees of Delphi reflects the change of affinity between the Delphian and the different powerful subjects in the Greek world and the evolution of the Delphian religious influence.At the same time,the number of the honorific decrees of Delphi issued from more to less reflects the historical fate of Delphi’s declining state,which cannot conceal its decline.