Diplomats in the ancient states of the Northern Black Sea Region

Abstract

This is the first complete compilation of Olbian, Chersonesеan and Bosporean ambassadors in lapidary inscriptions and works of ancient writers. The position of ambassador was at the same range as other high level magistracies. The Greeks elected ambassadors out of educated and wealthy citizens, sometimes out of influential foreigners. The ambassadors added their own money to the monetary funds issued by the state, and sometimes themselves fully covered their trip and accommodation expenses in other cities. In the ancient States of the Northern the Black Sea Coast the highest state authorities took the ambassadors of Greek city-states, Pontus, Egypt and Rome. Foreign ambassadors received for the success of their activity the honorary decrees and various benefits. Ambassador‘s function were considered as an important mission, for the successful implementation of which ambassadors received several awards.