Euergetism as a Political Strategy: The Case of Iason versus Moles

Abstract

This paper offers new interpretations concerning the dossier of Iason of Kyaneai, high priest of the Lycian koinon in AD 139. It is argued that the dates and decrees in this dossier revolve around an old feud between Iason and a certain Moles that started in the early second century and that flared up again some 35 years later. The dossier offers important insights in the struggles for power among the Lycian elite: it not only reveals Iason’s networks of support, but also how he established them, and how he put them to use. It is argued that euergetism played a key role in the establishment and maintenance of these networks, and that euergetism can in this case be considered as a clear political strategy.