New Inscriptions from Nikaia XVIII: The Honorific Inscription by the Demos of the Agelleitoi/ai in the Territory of Nikaia for Menestheus, megistē archē, and His Wife Gauriane

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This article presents two newly discovered inscriptions. During stream improvement works conducted by the State Hydraulic Works (= DSİ, in Turkish) in 2024, two stelae were discovered in the village of Aşağıçaylı (formerly Nasuhlar), located in the Yenipazar district of Bilecik province (see Map). One of these stelae is approximately 3.30 m high, monumental in scale, and was erected in the 17th year of the Emperor Septimius Severus’ reign. The stele bears an honorary inscription that offers new insights into the political life of the city of Nikaia. Notably, it reveals the existence of a previously unknown settlement: ὁ δῆμος Σαγελλειτων. In the inscription, the demos of the Sagelleitoi honours their benefactor, Menestheus, and his wife, Gauriane, while referencing Menestheus’ role as chief archon in Nikaia. Additionally, the stele names the archon Tatas as an eponym for dating purposes. Alongside Tatas, the chosen (archons?) for the subsequent year are listed, a unique feature, as no other inscriptions from Nikaia or its territory have previously documented such references to “appointed” officials. The second stele is fragmentary, and its exact purpose remains unclear. However, it again mentions the demos of the Sagelleitoi, suggesting it may have been erected either as a votive offering or an honorary one.