IG I3 89 and the Argead Family Tree
-
Peter Edward James Voller
Summary
The objective of this paper is to provide an alternative approach to analysing IG I3 89, a treaty between Athens and the Macedonian king Perdiccas II. It provides a mathematical formula for establishing the line length of fragmented inscriptions in which there are two ‘anchoring’ letters and only a finite number of possible solutions. This formula is used to provide a maximum and minimum line length for the inscription, after which epigraphical and historical analysis is then used to further eliminate possibilities. This method results in only four possible solutions, only one of which fits Lewis’ latest revision of the line length for IG I3 89. This resulting combination of names makes the most agreed upon Argead family tree impossible. The implications of this are profound and would demand a revision of much of Argead history between Alexander I and Alexander III.
Acknowledgement
My deepest thanks to Prof. Ian Worthington for his patience and guidance during the writing of this article, and for his invaluable feedback of numerous drafts.
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