Synoikizing Megalopolis: The Scope of the Synoikism and the Interests of Local Arkadian Communities

Abstract

This paper examines what can be deduced about the political interplay among Arkadian communities over the planning of the synoikism of Megalopolis, despite the divergence of Diodorus 15.72.4 and Pausanias 8.27.3-4 on the extent of the synoikism. Mantinea renounced any ambition to expand into and beyond northern Mainalia (except possibly for HeJisson), but Tegea was still free to extend its influence over some southern Mainalians. If Methydrion, Thisoa, and Teuthis were detached from Orchomenos as part of the synoikism, that would favour Kleitor and Mantinea. The failure to include Kynuria in the synoikism, as seen from IG V.2, 1, is surprising, but may be because Elis and TriphyJia to the west were friendly at the time. These considerations do not determine whether Diodorus or Pausanias offers the better account of the synoikism, but do show some of the interests at stake.