IG I³ 89 and the Argead Family Tree

Summary The objective of this paper is to provide an alternative approach to analysing IG I 3 89, a treaty between Athens and the Macedonian king Perdiccas II. It provides a mathematical formula for establishing the line length of fragmented inscriptions in which there are two ‘anchoring’ letters and only a finite number of possible solutions. This formula is used to provide a maximum and minimum line length for the inscription, after which epigraphical and historical analysis is then used to further eliminate possibilities. This method results in only four possible solutions, only one of which fits Lewis’ latest revision of the line length for IG I 3 89. This resulting combination of names makes the most agreed upon Argead family tree impossible. The implications of this are profound and would demand a revision of much of Argead history between Alexander I and Alexander III.