Roman conquest and Late Hellenistic resilience: the epigraphical case of Aemilius Paullus’ monument at Delphi (167–100 BC)

Abstract Building on recent studies of classical resilience, this article scrutinizes the second-century BC inscriptions on the monument of Aemilius Paullus at Delphi, erected in 167 BC. By analysing the epigraphic reuse of its surfaces, the article posits that the Roman pillar played a crucial political role in the second century BC. It functioned as a material device used by Delphi, the Amphictyony and pro-Roman Greek agents to consolidate their interstate authority and legitimacy amidst the intricate military dominance of Rome and the influence of the Greek leagues. These inscriptions reveal the interplay of new pro-Roman elites, interstate arbitrations, Greek memorialization and Roman provincialization, all converging to signify the rapid transformations of this era. Consequently, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of Greek ideological adaptations to Roman power during this period.