Il divieto di introdurre bestiame nel temenos di Zeus Temenites in un contratto di affitto da Arkesine (IG XII 7, 62)

IG XII 7, 62 is a contract (συγγραφή, ll. 12 and 25) from the middle of the 4th century BC, setting out the terms of the lease of Zeus Temenites’ property in Arkesine (Amorgos). In ll. 35-39 the contract prohibits the introduction of livestock into the god’s temenos. The meaning of these lines has been subject to different interpretations in some of the most recent editions of the text. Michèle Brunet argues that the prohibition applies to the entire property and is also addressed to the tenant. Christophe Chandezon claims that temenos refers to the most sacred part of the land, where the altar and possibly the temple of the god were located. The analysis of ll. 35-39, the type and the content of the inscription and a comparison with other lease contracts suggest that the clause aims to prevent anyone from exploiting the god’s land for grazing and to protect the tenant who uses it properly for agricultural purposes. This would safeguard the crops, and in particular the vines and fig trees that the tenant is required to plant annually and ensure grow, under penalty of a sanction (ll. 27-35).