Inter-state relations – Diplomacy

Knowledge Deepening / Consolidation

Students attending this course are expected to become acquainted and understand the theoretical discussion concerning the forms of inter-state and diplomatic relations developed in the Ancient Greek World and to become familiar with the primary sources, on which the study of these relations is based comprehend this particular trait of the Ancient Greek World, the co-existence of city-states, leagues, federal states (Koina), monarchies, the various causes which led to the development of inter-state relations as well as the institutions, which were formed observe, comprehend and study in depth the changes in the form of these relations or even the creation of new types of relations brought about by changes in the historical and political context become able to recognize methodological and practical issues related to their field of study practice their skills and present orally and in written form their ideas and arguments.

The seminar treats the development and function of inter-state relations and diplomatic practices in the various periods of Ancient Greek History. After a discussion of past and present theoretical approaches to the subject following issues will first be examined: possible causes, which resulted in the Greek states' seeking means of communication and forms of diplomatic relations with each other (e.g. protection against external threats, prevention of war and maintenance of peace, inclusion of new members in a League, expansion of political and military influence in sensitive, geopolitically, areas etc, the appeal to 'kinship' or Panhellenic ideals and bonds) as well as the particular character of Greek diplomacy in various historical contexts, especially when Hellenistic rulers and, finally, Rome became involved. Using relevant sources students will explore in this framework institutions and practices of diplomacy, e.g. 'symmachia', 'epimachia', 'spondai', 'Koine Eirene', 'proxenia', 'sympoliteia', 'isopoliteia', etc. Aim of the seminar is to highlight this particular aspect in the function of the Greek states, i.e. the nature of their external relations and the means they developed in their effort to ensure a relatively stable coexistence and balance. Weekly course schedule Week 1: Introduction - the subject and its particular significance - the subject in the past and present historical research - the relevant sources. Week 2: Causes leading to the development of various forms of inter-state and diplomatic relations (I). Discussion of relevant sources. Week 3: Causes leading to the development of various forms of inter-state and diplomatic relations (II). Discussion of relevant sources. Week 4: Causes leading to the development of various forms of inter-state and diplomatic relations (III). Discussion of relevant sources. Week 5: Diplomacy: Institutions and practices (I). Discussion of relevant sources. Week 6: Diplomacy: Institutions and practices (II). Discussion of relevant sources. Week 7: Diplomacy: Institutions and practices (III). Discussion of relevant sources. Week 8: Diplomacy: Institutions and practices (IV). Discussion of relevant sources. Week 9: 'Polis' (or Koinon) and the Hellenistic King (I). Discussion of relevant sources. Week 10: 'Polis' (or Koinon) and the Hellenistic King (II).Discussion of relevant sources. Week 11: "Kinship Diplomacy". Discussion of relevant sources. Week 12: Hellenistic States and Rome (I). Discussion of relevant sources. Week 13: Hellenistic States and Rome (II). Discussion of relevant sources.

'philia' (friendship), ' symmachia' (alliance-league), 'epimachia' (defensive alliance), 'spondai' (truce), proxeny, 'asylia' (immunity-asylum), sympolity, isopolity, ' diaitesia' (arbitration), ' syngeneia' (kinship), 'presbeia' (sending of ambassadors), Amphiktyony.

24-09-2018