During the First Macedonian War, Messenia was an ally of the Aetolian League, and was called upon to defend Delphi against possible attack by the Aetolians' enemies; see N.Luraghi, "The Ancient Messenians: Constructions of Ethnicity and Memory", page 261 ( Google Books ).
[A] [Gods.] Resolved by the city [of Delphi in full assembly, with the votes prescribed by law: since the Messenians have sent soldiers] to join in guarding the [temple and the city, with Mnasagoras son of Mantikrates and Damokrates son of Damandros as their commanders], charged with protecting [the city] and the temple; [and they have joined in guarding the city and the temple in a fine and reliable manner; and they have been] well-disciplined [while they resided here]; therefore it is resolved by the city [to praise the city of Messenia on account of its piety towards the god and its goodwill] towards the city; and the Messenians shall be [recognised as benefactors of the temple and the city; and to grant them priority in access to the oracle, proxeny], privileged seating, inviolability, freedom from all taxes, [and the other rights which are granted to other proxenoi and benefactors. When Alexeas was archon, and the councillors were] Lysimachos [. . . ]
[B] Gods. Resolved by the city of Delphi in full assembly, with the votes prescribed by law: since the commanders of the soldiers sent by the city of Messenia to protect the temple and the city, Mnasagoras son of Mantikrates and Damokrates son of Damandros, have joined in guarding the temple in a fine and reliable manner; and have kept their soldiers well-disciplined and free from any reproach; and their own conduct has been worthy of the god and the city during their residence here; therefore [the city] has granted, both to them and to their descendants, [proxeny], priority in access to the oracle, [privileged seating, priority in receiving justice, inviolability], freedom from all taxes, and the other rights which are granted to other benefactors] of the temple [and the city. When Alexeas was archon, and the councillors were Lysimachos . . .]
→ inscription 556
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