The bronze plaque is dated in the 5th BC (489-479BC: Cypro-Archaic to Cypro-Classical). It is also known as the Plaque of Onasilos (Πλάκα του Ονάσιλου).
It was found accidentally by a local farmer in 1850, at the Sanctuary of Athena on the west acropolis of the ancient city. The plaque was then bought, and ended up at the personal collection of French Honore d’Albert, Duc de Luynes. In 1862, it was given to the National Gallery of France, where is still located until today.
The plaque has two sides, and both have engraved inscriptions written in the Cypriot syllabary. It refers to the agreement of king Stasikypros with the local people of Idalion from the one side, and on the other side to the agreement of Onasilos and his brothers.
It is an important artefact due to the fact that it gives information about the political system and the socioeconomic conditions of the years of war between the ancient Kingdom of Idalion with the Phoenicians of city-kingdom of Kition.
It also gives information about the greek influence to the political system of the city, as well as for how the land was used and owned.
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