Luigi Piccirilli's study re-examines ancient Greek diplomacy by focusing on previously neglected operational, cultural, and communicative aspects of interstate envoys. Rejecting the modern equivalence between modern ambassadors and ancient delegates, the author demonstrates that Greek envoys (presbeis) lacked permanent residential posts, diplomatic immunity, and autonomous negotiating powers, serving primarily as public persuaders before foreign assemblies. The first part explores the physical characteristics, age requirements, authority, and symbolic apparel of envoys—specifically analyzing the protective, apotropaic significance of red garments—alongside their legal duties and frequent exposure to personal risk (parapresbeia). The second part addresses diplomatic rhetoric, examining how delegates employed topoi such as shared kinship (syngeneia), historical alliances, and autonomy to convince audiences within verbal contests (agones). By incorporating comparative perspectives from Persian, Roman, and Byzantine contexts, the work offers a refined framework for understanding interstate communication and the structural mechanics of ancient diplomacy.