Language/Ancient-greek-to-1453/Culture/Ancient-Greek-Diplomacy

Ancient Greek Diplomacy

Ancient Greece is widely acknowledged as the birthplace of European civilization, credited with laying the foundation for rational thought, argumentation, and competition, which continue to shape our thinking today.

The Greeks developed the concept of democracy through the battle of ideas and the exercise of power, aiming to earn the trust and support of voters.

Interestingly, the idea of 'common peace' from Ancient Greek diplomacy has endured and served as a founding principle of the League of Nations and the United Nations Charter.

The Greeks also made significant contributions to modern sciences, particularly in the development of comparative testing methods by philosophers and scientists.

Furthermore, Greece is also the origin of key cultural concepts like theatre, geometry, and astronomy, as well as the terms 'diplomacy' and 'technology'.

The etymology of ‘diplomacy’

The word 'diplomacy' has its roots in the ancient Greek term 'δίπλωμα' (diplōma), which combines the word 'diplo' meaning 'folded in two' with the suffix '-ma' meaning 'an object'.

In Latin, the term evolved to refer to an official document. Later, in the 18th century, the French term 'diplomate' referred to individuals authorized to negotiate on behalf of a state, while 'corps diplomatique' described officials involved in foreign policy.

Diplomats in Ancient Greece

Proxenoi

In ancient Greece, a proxenos (plural proxenoi) was a consular agent who resided in a city-state as a citizen, even though they were employed by another city-state. Their primary responsibility was trade, but they also had the task of gathering information.

Proxenoi were considered to be early honorary consuls, ambassadors, and lobbyists. They used their influence in their own city to promote policies, friendships, and alliances with the city they represented.

In addition to handling high-level political matters, proxenoi were expected to provide support and housing for visitors from the sending state, such as merchants, representatives, and politicians. They were granted certain immunities, such as asylum in case the sending state turned against them or free and safe travel during both peace and war.

The position of proxenos held prestige and was often hereditary. During the classical Greek period, it's likely that many well-known Athenian politicians held one or more positions as proxenoi. For example, Demosthenes served as a proxenos in Athens for Thebes.

Presbeis and Kerykes

Presbeis (plural presbeis) were senior citizens who acted as advocates for their sending state, similar to modern-day public diplomats. They were excellent orators who went on unpaid ad-hoc missions, often as part of large delegations numbering between 20-30 people.

Presbeis frequently addressed the citizens and senate of the receiving state, attempting to persuade the elites about their country's position.

A keryx (plural kerykes) was an inviolable Greek messenger. Originally, they were trusted attendants or retainers of a chieftain during Homer's time. However, their role expanded to include acting as messengers between states, even during times of war.

Kerykes also proclaimed meetings of a council, popular assembly, or court of law, recited prayer formulas at important meetings, and summoned people to attend. They were regarded as the offspring of Hermes and were considered general-purpose messengers and masters of ceremonies.

Finally, heralds were responsible for serving as a 'truce-bearer' prior to the start of the Panhellenic Games and making announcements. However, their most important task was going ahead of ambassadors to secure guarantees for their safe reception. They were also responsible for issuing ultimatums and declarations of war, and were the early masters of protocol.

Diplomatic innovations in Ancient Greece / Early multilateral diplomacy

The concept of early multilateral diplomacy emerged from the truce observed during the Olympic Games and other festivals in ancient Greece. These events provided an opportunity for representatives from different city-states to gather, share a common identity, and negotiate.

This period also gave rise to the diplomatic innovation of Common Peace, which aimed to establish permanent peace among the Greek city-states. This idea of common peace continues to influence modern diplomacy and was one of the founding principles of the League of Nations and the United Nations Charter.

Multilateral diplomacy was more prevalent in religious leagues comprising neighboring communities that shared a deity and in large-member military alliances or 'leagues' established for defense and offense. The Second Athenian Confederacy, for instance, was a defensive alliance created in 378/7 BC to guard against the growing fear that Sparta would not honor the common peace of the Greek cities.

The famous Decree of Aristoteles described the alliance's purpose and defensive character and extended an invitation to join to others, including non-Greek 'barbarians' on the mainland or islands.

Author

➡ Marianthi

• Ευγενική χορηγία που στοχεύει να βοηθήσει μαθητές ή μη, απανταχού της Γης, που επιδίδονται στην εκμάθηση της ελληνικής γλώσσας!
• Contribution bénévole visant à aider les personnes, partout dans le monde, qui sont engagées dans l'apprentissage de la langue grecque !
• Voluntary contribution aimed at helping people, all over the world, who are committed to learning the Greek language! 

Sources

• DiPLO

Other Lessons

• Linear B
• Shield of Achilles
• Status of women in Ancient Greece
• Ancient Greek first names for tattoos
• The Ancient Greek Afterlife
• Thespis the father of dramatic art
• Ancient Greece Timeline
• Ancient Greek funeral and burial practices
• Battle of Thermopylae