Osservazioni sulla pubblicazione dell’Еdictum de pretiis rerum venalium ad Odessos
The Observations on the Publication of the Edict for the the Selling Price of the Goods in Odessos

Summary/Abstract: The paper focuses on a fragment of Diocletian’s Edict of Maximum Prices, found in Odessos in Moesia Inferior. Being one of only three pieces found outside Asia Minor, this fragment has frequently been considered problematic as it disproves the hypothesis about the promulgation of the Edict only in the Eastern part of the Empire. Attempts have been made to ascribe the Odessos fragment to a micro-Asiatic context, considering it a piece that was brought from Asia Minor to Moesia in modern times. In the first place, the paper examines the epigraphic characteristics of the fragment, focusing also on the archaeological context in which it was discovered and on the possible parallels with other inscriptions and monuments found on the same spot. The observations lead to the conclusion that the fragment fits completely into the archaeological context and there are no reasons to believe that it was recently brought to Odessos. Secondly, the paper examines the broader historical and social context of Odessos. Keeping in mind that the inscription of an imperial edict on stone is usually not obligatory, but is due to the initiative of a local magistrate, the study identifies a relation between the economic and political crisis in which Odessos found itself in the second half of the 3rd century AD and the desire of the local magistrates to revive the city’s importance as a trade port by publicly stating that Odessos does apply the official regulations and does not tolerate speculation.

• Details
• Contents