Decree of Aristoteles

The Decree of Aristoteles was notable for limiting the overreaching power of Athens over its allies that was characteristic of the Athenian Empire.

The top contains a date and introductory area, while the next section consists of the original decree, followed by a list of names of city states, leagues, and individuals.

[6] The bottom part of the stele includes an amendment to the original decree and a short concluding entry.

Some of the lesser preserved parts of the stele appear to have been edited or modified in other historical periods, while some are simply fragmented or worn down.

[11] Additionally, the decree promises self-government for the member states and notably does not impose "garrisons, governors and tribute".

A state joining the Second Athenian Confederacy was either recruited or required to apply and consequently completed a set of oaths.

Before being added to the stele of the Decree of Aristoteles, an applicant state's magistrates had to submit an oath to a committee sent by the Confederacy.

[22] Some scholars contend that the Decree of Aristoteles should therefore be perceived as a work of Athenian propaganda, designed to counteract Sparta and pacify Persia.

[23] The objective of decree, it is argued, was for Athens to remove the fear of Greek states to join an alliance.

From this point of view, the Decree of Aristoteles can be seen as a diplomatic offensive by Athens in response to the growing threat of Sparta during this time period.

[24] Other scholars contend that these views are overstated, as evidenced by Athens by in large following the rules outlined in the decree.

[18][27] While some scholars contend that Athens formed these alliances to rebuild itself as an imperialist power,[28] other scholars argue that many of the bilateral alliances that Athens formed outside of the Confederacy either included the allied states of the Confederacy, or were in direct response to the threat of Philip II upon Greek states.