Presbeis Autokratores: A Study in Ancient Greek Diplomacy and Constitutional Law

Abstract

Summary This essay analyzes the term presbeis autokratores found in historical sources and in inscriptions. Previous scholars have not been able to give a consistent account of the term, which appears to vary in meaning. The analysis starts by examining the use of the term autokrator as applied to officials and public bodies and shows that the term refers to different special powers granted to officials, which are specified in each case but which may vary according to circumstances. The rest of the essay analyzes the use of the term and shows that presbeis autokratores were either sent to start negotiations with the power to receive proposals from a foreign state and to bring them back for ratification or to swear the oaths to a treaty the community had already decided to accept. The term is never found in multilateral negotiations. The use of the term in the speech ‘On the Peace’ attributed to Andocides is inconsistent with its use in the Classical and Hellenistic period, which provides additional evidence against the authenticity of this speech.