Following the battle at Philippi (October 42 BC) triumvir Mark Antony in 41 BC toured the eastern provinces of the Roman Republic. During this trip he restored the authority of Rome, levied contributions upon the cities, and appointed kings and rulers. In Ephesus Anthony was persuaded to grant broad privileges and immunities to 'the worldwide association of victors in the festival games', as evidenced by the letter of Antony to the Κοινόν τῶν άπό τῆς Ἀσίας Ἑλλήνων on the rights of the συνόδου τῶν ἀπὸ τῆς οἰκουμένης ἱερονικῶν καὶ στεφανιτῶν.
