description Athenian Tribute Lists Overview
The Athenian Tribute Lists are a collection of 5th-century BCE marble inscriptions discovered on the Athenian Acropolis. The inscriptions record the annual payments of "phoros," or tribute, exacted from the member states of the Delian League. Specifically, they document a one-sixtieth portion of the tribute that was dedicated to the goddess Athena. These steles serve as primary sources for understanding the financial administration of the Athenian Empire and the shifting economic burdens placed on allied city-states during the classical period.
help Athenian Tribute Lists FAQ
What do the Athenian Tribute Lists record?
They are fifth-century BCE marble inscriptions recording the phoros, or tribute, paid by members of the Delian League to Athens. The lists document the financial side of the alliance that became the Athenian Empire. [Attic Inscriptions](https://www.atticinscriptions.com/inscription/IGI3/259)
Why were the Athenian Tribute Lists placed on the Acropolis?
The Delian League treasury was transferred from Delos to Athens in 454/3 BCE. After that transfer, Athens inscribed the sixtieth portion of each year's tribute, dedicated as first fruits to Athena, on marble stelai on the Acropolis. [Attic Inscriptions](https://www.atticinscriptions.com/papers/attic-inscriptions-level/)
What is the earliest Athenian Tribute List?
The earliest major list is known as the lapis primus and covers the years 454/3 to 440/39 BCE. It was a large marble inscription, about 3.8 metres high, that recorded tribute quotas after the treasury moved to Athens. [Attic Inscriptions](https://www.atticinscriptions.com/papers/attic-inscriptions-level/)
Do the Athenian Tribute Lists record every contribution made by Delian League members?
No. They mainly record the monetary phoros and its quota dedicated to Athena, not every ship, soldier, timber supply, or other contribution. The lists are therefore valuable evidence for Athenian finance, but they are not a complete budget for the whole league. [Attic Inscriptions](https://www.atticinscriptions.com/papers/attic-inscriptions-level/)
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