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The staters were rather more than 25 per cent. heavier than darics, and therefore worth about <02> 1 8s. each. Plutarch, however (de Sera Num. Vind. 12, p. 556), makes Croesus propose to give a larger sum—‘four minae’ = about <02> 16.


The προμαντεία was the right of either consulting the oracle on behalf of others (Homolle) or of consulting the oracle before ordinary visitors, whose positions were determined by lot; the analogy of προεδρία makes the second explanation preferable. The whole question is discussed in R. E. G. xiii., p. 281 seq., which sums up on the whole against Homolle's view. ἀτέλεια was freedom from taxes for Lydians consulting the shrine; the προεδρία was the right to front places at the Pythian and other festivals (cf. ix. 73. 3 for such rights). These honours and similar ones (e. g. προδικία and ἔγκτησις καὶ γῆς καὶ οἰκίας, which corresponds to the γίνεσθαι Δελφόν of this passage) are found in inscriptions at Delphi (e. g. Dittenberger, 484, 662; the former of these is in favour of Sardes—‘as an ancient friend’). Radet (p. 217) compares the decree in honour of Croesus with the rights given by the Amphictyons to Philip in 346 B. C.; it made him a member of the Hellenic world (cf. Jebb, Essays, p. 223, for similar grants at Delos).

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