Fiscal Oversight in Ptolemaic Egypt: Examining the Supervisory Role of the Ἐπακολουθοῦντες

Abstract

This study examines the roles of the so-called ἐπακολουθοῦντες in the Ptolemaic administration, particularly their oversight of handling public funds. The term ἐπακολουθῶν lacks a clear definition, raising questions about whether it denotes a distinct job title or signifies a supervisory role on specific occasions. The paper aims to clarify the duties of the epakolouthountes and ascertain whether they held formal positions or functioned in supervisory capacities. Furthermore, it evaluates their numerical prevalence over the three centuries of the Ptolemaic rule.