In an intriguing discovery from the ancient city of Tralles, modern Aydın, a Greek decree has been unearthed that sheds light on the city's efforts to combat immorality in the 2nd century A.D. The decree, inscribed on a marble stele, was found reused in the northern wall of the "Kuzey Dükkanları" (Northern Shops), a structure dating back to Late Antiquity (5th–7th century A.D.). This artifact provides a fascinating glimpse into the societal and legal measures employed by the citizens of Tralleis to maintain public decency and order.
The decree was proposed by various city officials, including the secretary of the people and the council. It begins by emphasizing the city's longstanding commitment to a moral and orderly way of life, inherited from their ancestors, who had ordered the city through pure laws and customs. The officials lament the recent rise in shameless behaviors that threaten the moral fabric of the city. They particularly focus on individuals who publicly exhibit their licentious lifestyles, making no effort to conceal their actions.
In response to these concerns, the city officials resolved to bar these licentious individuals from accessing public sanctuaries and gymnasiums. This measure reflects the broader societal commitment to maintaining public decency and order. The decree specifically targets those living an "unnatural" sexual lifestyle, referred to as οἱ ἐν κιναιδείᾳ β̣ιοῦντες, a term used to describe men exhibiting effeminate behavior, often associated with male prostitution.
The exclusion of these individuals from public spaces was seen as essential to preserving the city's dignity and moral standards. The decree's language is deliberately guarded, avoiding explicit terms for sexual behaviors, which were considered inappropriate for public inscriptions. This careful wording underscores the sensitivity of the issue and the desire to address it without offending public sensibilities.
This measure is part of a broader strategy to uphold public order and decency. The decree also mentions the routine removal of female prostitutes from public streets to less visible areas, ensuring that their presence does not disturb the city's virtue. This practice reflects a consistent approach to handling licentious behavior in ancient Greek cities, similar to laws in Classical Athens, where male prostitutes were also banned from public sanctuaries and gymnasia.
The study of this decree provides a detailed look at how Tralleis addressed issues of public morality through legislative measures. By barring individuals living licentious lifestyles from public spaces, the city aimed to uphold the moral standards and dignity of its citizens. This decree highlights a deeply rooted commitment to orderly conduct and the preservation of public decency.
The discovery and analysis of this inscription offer valuable insights into the societal norms and legal practices of ancient Tralleis. It underscores the city's efforts to combat immorality and maintain a well-ordered society, reflecting broader trends in ancient Greek approaches to public morality.
