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Megalopolis in the Achaian Koinon This thesis has been submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for a postgraduate degree (e.g. PhD, MPhil, DClinPsychol) at the University of Edinburgh. Please note the following terms and conditions of use: This work is protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights, which are retained by the thesis author, unless otherwise stated. A copy can be downloaded for personal non-commercial research or study, without prior permission or charge. This thesis cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the author. The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the author. When referring to this work, full bibliographic details including the author, title, awarding institution and date of the thesis must be given. MEGALOPOLIS AND THE ACHAIAN KOINON: LOCAL IDENTITY AND THE FEDERAL STATE Elke Close PhD Classics The University of Edinburgh 2017 ii Signed Declaration I declare that is this thesis is the result of my own work and has been composed solely by my own hand except where it is explicitely stated by reference or acknowlegment. This dissertation has not been submitted for any other degree or professional qualification. Signature: iii iv Thesis Abstract This dissertation examines the relationship between the Arkadian city of Megalopolis and the Achaian koinon in the Hellenistic period. By arguing that Megalopolis was a polis which used its own local identity to carve out a prominent position for itself within the Achaian federation, this thesis is able to provide new insights into the study of the wider topic of the relationship between federations and their member states. To support this argument, the thesis is divided into three parts. In part one of the dissertation, the Megalopolitan identity is clearly established by identifying its basic components, which were the result of the city’s foundation by the Arkadian koinon around 368 BC as well as its Achaian membership of 235 BC. The Megalopolitan identity was marked by a complex structure; it was characterised by a deep and traditional hatred for Sparta, longstanding relations with the Macedonian kings, a clear understanding of the mechanisms of a federal state and multi-ethnic politics, and, by Polybius’ time, a connection to both Arkadia as well as Achaia. The second part examines the influence of this local identity on the koinon through the direct relationship of Megalopolis with the federal government via its Achaian membership. Within the Achaian League, Megalopolis was an active member, taking part in the federal institutions and minting coins. However, through its interactions with other members of the federal state, Megalopolis used its relationship with the federal state to its own advantage. Finally, the last part of the thesis explores the role of Megalopolis and its local interests in Achaian foreign politics. The polis seems to have influenced these through the emergence of a series of influential statesmen (such as Philopoimen and Lykortas) as well as several new policies pursued by the Achaians after Megalopolis’ membership. Examples of these new policies are the Achaian alliance with Macedon of 225 BC and the increased focus of the koinon on Sparta in the second century BC, something that also shaped Achaian interactions with Rome. Throughout the thesis particular attention is paid to the narrative of the historian Polybius and the problems his writings pose, since he was an important source for the history of the Achaian koinon and who, as a Megalopolitan, was an excellent example of this distinct Megalopolitan identity. By shedding light on the various ways in which Megalopolis affected the Achaian koinon and its politics, this thesis shows that Megalopolis merits more attention than it has v received in the past, as it was more than just an Arkadian city that was a member of the Achaian koinon. Furthermore, the intricate analysis of the distinct Megalopolitan identity makes a novel contribution to the wider study on the interaction between the polis, as a civic unit, and the federal state, as a developing political structure. vi Lay Summary Today, federal states are a popular form of government throughout the world. Some examples include the European Union or countries like Belgium, Canada, Germany and the United States. Within a federal state, different governments (federal and regional/local) interact with one another to ensure an optimal working of the federation. However, it is not always easy for these different levels to co-operate as their interests may be different at times. Moreover, as the troubles within the European Union have shown, sometimes the members of these federal states do not get along. This thesis examines the relationship between federal states and their members in Ancient Greece. More specifically, it explores the case study of the Greek city of Megalopolis and the federal state that it was a part of, the Achaian koinon. The core argument of the thesis is that Megalopolis was a city which used its own local identity to carve out a prominent position for itself within the Achaian federation. Therefore, Megalopolis was able to influence Achaian foreign politics and use its relationship with the federal government to its advantage during interactions with other member states. vii Acknowledgements Out of the many papers, blog posts and other pieces that I have written, I do not think that I have ever been happier to be able to write these words, since it means that after a very long time and a lot of effort this thesis is finished. It was not an easy process and at some point, I found myself wondering why I was even doing it, but nevertheless writing a doctoral thesis has provided me with a lot of opportunities, experiences and learning moments that I would not have had otherwise. Moreover, I could not have done it without the support and guidance of a whole slew of people whom I would like to take the opportunity to thank. First of all, I would like to thank my primary supervisor Professor Andrew Erskine without whom the writing of this thesis could never have happened. The countless meetings and discussions about my research and arguments were very helpful and always encouraged me to review a problem with fresh insights. I would also like thank my secondary supervisor Doctor Benjamin Gray for all of his support and suggestions which helped shape and refine this thesis into its current shape. Moreover, I am extremely grateful for all the time and effort that both have put into reading and correcting the many versions of this thesis as well as many flawed and problematic arguments. Finally, I would like to thank them for the many references, research suggestions and opportunities that they have provided for me and which have given me a few invaluable research experiences. Secondly, I would like to express my gratitude to Professor Athanasios Rizakis who graciously acted as my temporary supervisor during my six-month research stay in Athens from January until July 2016. His suggestions about the internal composition of and the epigraphy of the Achaian koinon have been very helpful. In addition to weekly meetings to talk about my research, Professor Rizakis also let me accompany him on a research expedition to the archaeological site of Philippi and made many introductions during my stay in Athens. I am further indebted to Professor Yiannis Xydopoulos who has been supportive of my academic endeavours ever since he acted as my Erasmus supervisor in 2012. His initial reference, together with that of Professor Katelijne Vandorpe who was the thesis supervisor during my master back in Belgium, enabled me to start this PhD. I also need to thank the Alexander S. Onassis Foundation whose generous funding allowed me to spend six months in Athens and the Peloponnese to viii complete some necessary research for this doctoral thesis by using the libraries of the archaeological institutes and visit the archaeological site of Megalopolis to physically see the place that I have spent all this time working about. Furthermore, I also want to thank my friends and family for listening to the endless complaints and discussions about my dissertation. I also want to specifically thank the following people for taking the time to read through the draft versions of the thesis and giving me some much-needed feedback; so a big thank you to Zofia Guertin and Kasper Swerts. Finally, and most importantly, I could not have even begun this entire adventure without the encouragement of my parents, Marianne and Patrick. They have been there for me with nothing but support from the moment that I started my undergraduate studies in Belgium until these final few weeks, and so I am grateful to them more than anyone else. Therefore, I dedicate this thesis to them. I hope to someday be able to repay all of the love and support you all have shown me throughout the writing of this dissertation. ix Table of Contents Signed Declaration ................................................................................................................... iii Thesis Abstract ......................................................................................................................... v Lay Summary ...........................................................................................................................vii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................
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