Participation by Ptolemy’s Writ: Cyrene’s Constitution and the Diagramma of Ptolemy I

In 321 BCE, Cyrene came under control of Ptolemy, son of Lagos, the then satrap of Egypt. Possibly on the occasion of a visit to the newly conquered city in winter 321/0 BCE, he composed a diagramma that the Cyrenaeans inscribed on stone. Through this document, Ptolemy endeavored to reform Cyrene’s constitution and consolidate his control over the city. In the present chapter, Ptolemy’s provisions are discussed in detail to ascertain his goals and whether and to what extent he was influenced by the pre-existing political system of Cyrene, earlier solutions attested elsewhere, and philosophical views. Particular attention will be given to Ptolemy’s reforms about the Cyrenaeans’ participation in political affairs and city government, as well as the norms regulating access to civic offices.