Polemías éthnê: dynamics of hellenistic identity in the pontus euxinus
The case of Histria at the end of the 3rd century BCE (IScM 1 15)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34624/agora.27.42329Keywords:
éthnos, hellenistic epigraphy, alterity, Greek identity, honorific decreeAbstract
This article aims to understand the construction of Hellenistic identity in the polis of Histria through epigraphic documentation from the 3rd century BC. By analysing the decree addressed to the citizen Agathokles (IScM 1 15), we propose that Histria develops an original, flexible, and multiscalar identity framework that prioritises the éthnos over the barbarian-Greek alterity. To this purpose, we first provide a brief state of the art on classical and Hellenistic alterity; second, an unpublished presentation, translation, and commentary of the inscription; and third, a detailed examination of its main identity-related meanings. We conclude with a reflection on the negotiation possibilities that allow for the adaptation of Hellenistic identity and its historical significance.
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