Arbitration

A dispute likely to lead to war was supposed to go to arbitration, judicial settlement or investigation by the Council. Members agreed not to resort to war until three months after the resulting decision or report. The purpose was to create time for investigation and negotiation instead of allowing a disagreement to become an immediate military confrontation.

In 493 BC, Artaphernes had city territories surveyed, established boundaries and fixed tribute assessments. He also required cities to settle disputes through arbitration rather than war. These measures sought to make restored Persian rule more stable and predictable.

Arbitration offered an alternative to fighting: a third party could consider competing claims and reach a decision. Trade sanctions could put economic pressure on an aggressor by restricting its trade.