From Λυκιακὸν σύστημα to Λυκίων τὸ κοίνον: The Funktion, administartive structure, and finance of Lycian League in the light of Hellenistic predecessors

Strabon who wrote under Augustus and quoted from Artemidoros informs about the structure and the institutions of the Lycian Confederacy. According to Strabon, 23 cities were members of Confederacy. Referring to the cities which struck Lycian federal coins a possible list of 23 cities can be determined. Although Strabon mentions the Confederacy as "Lykiakon systema", it was named mostly as "koinon", "ethnos" or simply "Lykioi" in the hellenistic inscriptions. Strabon mentions a single synedrion made up through the representatives from 23 member poleis in proportion to their significance. For Roman times there are two assemblies: bule and ekklesia. It's, however, difficult to get an idea about assembly in Hellenistic period. The inscriptions regarding the individuals who performed ἐθνικαὶ ἀρχαί points out that the Lycian League was highly active during the period of independence in administrative, military, judicial, religious, and financial areas. The League had an extended sphere of competence including the decision on war and peace and alliances, the installation of cults and festivals, the acceptance of new members into the federal sympoliteia, diplomatic relations through the legations, and the honours for eminent individuals. Being so effective an organization it is not surprising for the Lycian Confederacy that it profitted from federal notables who came into prominence in the society through glorious achievements during their service on behalf of the League.