Small States in the Athenian Empire: The Case of the Eteokarpathioi

Evidence from the Athenian Tribute Lists and the “Eteokarpathian decree” (IG i³ 1454) reveals a complex and reciprocal relationship between Athens and a small subject ally, the koinon of the Eteokarpathioi (on the island of Karpathos in the Dodecanese). On the one hand, Athens intervened militarily to guarantee the koinon’s continued existence; on the other, the Eteokarpathioi “took the initiative in getting themselves assessed,” becoming tribute-paying members of the empire (IG i³ 278.VI.14, 434/3 B.C.E.), and became euergetai of the Athenian people with their gift of special building material (cypress from their sanctuary of Apollo) for the temple of Athena Athenon medeousa. The decree reveals how Athens might intervene in small communities to protect them against more powerful neighbors and thus illustrates the circumstances under which small states or communities might find it advantageous to be part of the Athenian empire.