Charlotte Dunn
Biographic Data
| ID | 5638743 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Charlotte Dunn |
| GIVEN NAMES | Charlotte |
| FAMILY NAME | Dunn |
| SIGNATURE | DUNN C |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Tasmania |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-4274-7239 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 27 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 3 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 27 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2020 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2024 |
| H-INDEX | 1 |
Stratokles (Stratocles), Athenian politician
Stratokles of Diomeia, son of Euthydemos, was a prominent Athenian politician during the last quarter of the fourth century (ca. 355 to ca. 285? bce ). Between 307 to 301 Stratokles was prolifically active, putting forth at least 28 decrees in the Athenian assembly. He is particularly known for his extravagant honours and support of the Antigonids, who controlled Athens at various points.
Ipsos (Ipsus)
Ipsos refers to the decisive battle of Ipsos, which took place in central Phrygia in 301 bce , after a coalition of Successors formed to remove Antigonos I Monophthalmos and his son Demetrios I Poliorketes from power. The coalition was victorious, carving up much of the Antigonid kingdom. Although Antigonos lost his life in the fighting, his son Demetrios was able to flee and remained a powerful force to be reckoned with. Demetrios eventually rec…
The Antigonid Campaign in Cyprus, 306 BC
This chapter continues to discuss the mid-career of Demetrius Poliorcetes, and the military and political strategies of the Antigonid family, which had grown to be an absolute force to be reckoned with. Demetrius was next ordered by his father to invade Cyprus, where he conducted a campaign against Ptolemaic forces. It was during this military engagement that Demetrius won a monumental sea battle against Ptolemy off Salamis. This battle proved a …
Demetrius’ Flight
This chapter sheds much light on the outcome of the battle of Ipsus in 301 BC, which proved to have long-lasting repercussions for Demetrius Poliorcetes. The distribution of the spoils following the battle had a massive impact on Hellenistic politics and the boundaries of the Successor kingdoms, but Demetrius’ position was not as hopeless as has previously been argued. Some of these distributions proved to be in name only, as Demetrius was quick …
The Silent Years
This chapter offers a reconstruction of what might be referred to as ‘the Silent Years’, that is to say, 310–308 BC, where our ancient sources provide very little information about Demetrius Poliorcetes’ whereabouts and activities. Antigonus Monophthalmus himself campaigned unsuccessfully in Babylonia from 310 BC, and left Demetrius in charge of Antigonid possessions in Syria and Anatolia. During this time Ptolemy invaded Anatolia and, aided by t…
The Fruits of Victory
In this chapter, the outcome of the previous campaign is discussed in great detail. This was a decisive victory for the Antigonids, and in the aftermath of the victory at Salamis, Antigonus assumed the title of ‘King’ for himself and Demetrius, an action which the other dynasts copied within a few years. Demetrius also commenced his famous relationship with the courtesan Lamia, whom he had captured after the battle. In autumn of 306 BC the Antigo…
Demetrius’ Return to Greece, 304–303 BC
This chapter continues to offer detailed analysis of Demetrius Poliorcetes’ career, as well as a reconstruction of the events during the years 304–303 BC. Demetrius returned to Greece in autumn 304 , and drove Cassander’s forces out of Boeotia and Attica. However, military matters were not the only things on Demetrius’ mind, and he spent a dissolute winter in the Parthenon with the infamous Lamia and many named courtesans, which was the subject o…
Demetrius and Phila
The death of Alexander the Great brings a great deal of political upheaval to the empire, and Alexander’s generals are quick to react. After being threatened by Perdiccas, Antigonus Monophthalmus fled from Phrygia, and eventually forged an alliance with Antipater at the settlement of Triparadeisus in 321 or 320 BC. He cemented it by marrying the 15-year-old Demetrius to Antipater’s daughter Phila, who was aged around 35. She was the mother to Dem…
The Great Siege of Rhodes
In 305 BC the newly-minted King Demetrius began his most famous exploit, his year-long siege of Rhodes. This chapter looks closely at a number of aspects of this military undertaking, including Demetrius’ strategies in siege warfare. Innovative siege engines, both naval and land-based, were deployed on an absolutely unprecedented scale, including the building of the gigantic helepolis , or ‘City-Taker’. The protagonists fought each other to a sta…
Wolves at the Door
This chapter discusses a major turning point during Demetrius’ campaign, as at a critical moment the Besieger lost the kingdom of Macedonia. Demetrius was forced to flee in disguise and disgrace as disorder erupted within his army, most of which deserted to Pyrrhus, who was subsequently proclaimed king of Macedonia in his wake. This chapter discusses the events which led to Demetrius’ failure as king, and offers insight into his next strategy fol…
The End of the Reign of Demetrius Poliorcetes
The work concludes the account of Demetrius Poliorcetes’ last campaign. With a lack of supplies, low morale, and no further options, the great Demetrius the Besieger was forced to admit defeat and surrender to Seleucus. This chapter discusses the last events of the campaign, the causes of its failure, and offers some commentary on the nature of the ancient sources for his final years. In particular, the parallels drawn by Plutarch between Demetri…
Demetrius’ Fortunes Unravel
The devastating failure in Macedonia sent reverberations throughout Demetrius Poliorcetes’ other possessions. The king suffered from multiple revolts and losses among his remaining territories, including unrest within the city of Athens, where the citizens again tried to take advantage of the situation and free their city from Macedonian rule. Demetrius, however, was able to overcome these setbacks, and made another alliance. This chapter gives a…
A Diadoch’s Apprenticeship
This chapter offers a discussion of the young Demetrius’ early involvement in the politics and battles of Alexander the Great’s Successors, who continued to wage war against one another for territory. Demetrius Poliorcetes accompanied his father Antigonus Monophthalmus to Iran in the campaigns of the Second Diadoch War, where he played minor command roles in the great battles of Paraetacene and Gabiene in the winter of 317/316 BC. It was here tha…
A New Anabasis?
Demetrius Poliorcetes returned from Athens to Macedonia, where at last he prepared a campaign that aimed at recovering the former Macedonian Empire. It is clear from the evidence that Demetrius was preparing for an ambitious campaign on a grand scale. However, during these preparations he was also forced to deal with his tenuous hold over his current possessions, especially the attitudes of the dissatisfied Macedonian citizens who were not entire…
Demetrius the Living God
This chapter discusses Demetrius Poliorcetes’ activities in the years after he had taken the throne of Macedonia, and offers insight into his ambitions and plans. One unusual event that was of critical importance was a visit to Athens during this period. On this occasion, Demetrius was hailed as a living god by the people of Athens, and he was awarded religious honours, and divine status with the ithyphallic hymn, including the attribution of div…
The Final Campaign
During what was to be Demetrius’ final campaign, he initially enjoyed some success with his attacks on Lysimachus’ territories. This chapter follows Demetrius’ progress, and also offers insight into the politics and manoeuvring of the other Successors. Another important event occurred during this time as Demetrius also married the daughter Ptolemais, the daughter of Ptolemy (and his own niece). She became the mother of one of Demetrius’ children,…
Demetrius in Athens
This chapter provides critical insight into the relationship between Demetrius Poliorcetes and the famous city of Athens. The Athenian reaction to their ‘liberation’ by the Antigonids was absolutely extraordinary, and, sponsored by Demetrius’ supporter Stratocles, many honours were voted to the Antigonids and their retainers in gratitude for the expulsion of Demetrius of Phalerum. These honours included such things as gold statues, crowns, citize…
The Mysteries and the League
In early 303 BC Demetrius Poliorcetes consolidated his hold over the Peloponnese, and then made the unusual request that the Athenians allow him accelerated initiation into the religious cult known as the Eleusinian Mysteries. This was made possible by an extraordinary alteration of the Attic calendar, and in nine days he passed through the three stages of a ritual which normally took nineteen months. By 302, after a great deal of diplomatic acti…
King of the Macedonians
Following the regicide of Alexander, Demetrius Poliorcetes was accepted as the new king of Macedonia. This chapter discusses the political background which led to Demetrius’ claim being ratified. Although the Macedonians readily acclaimed him, it was not entirely a smooth transition of power, and Demetrius was forced to focus his attention on the consolidation of his new territory. The unrest and political situation gave rise to revolts in Boeoti…
The Besieger Alone
During the immediate years after the defeat at the battle of Ipsus, Demetrius continued to rebuild his fortunes by raiding Lysimachus’ territories in the Thracian Chersonese, making use of his powerful navy, which proved to be a considerable advantage. A series of political marriage alliances among the other Successors and their families prompted a quick shuffling of relationships and loyalties. The marriage of Seleucus and Demetrius’ daughter St…
Demetrius and Athens. Again
While Demetrius Poliorcetes was continuing to rebuild his kingdom and strengthen his power, other opportunities arose which he was able to manipulate to his advantage. Political trouble in Athens gave rise to a tyrant, Lachares, and the subsequent civil strife provided the perfect opportunity for the Besieger to take back Athens, which had rejected him after the defeat at the battle of Ipsus. This chapter discusses the tyranny of Lachares, includ…
The Acquisition of Macedonia
This chapter discusses the death of Cassander, who had been the king of Macedonia. This was followed very shortly by the death of his heir and eldest son Philip. The deaths of these two kings resulted in a succession crisis, and internal strife within the Antipatrid family. The two younger sons Alexander and Antipater struggled for the kingship, and Antipater killed his mother Thessalonice for supporting Alexander’s claim to the throne over his o…
The Antigonid ‘Liberation’ of Athens in 307 BC
This chapter discusses a number of events which were of critical importance to the Antigonids as they continued to build their empire. In 307 BC Antigonus Monophthalmus sent Demetrius Poliorcetes with a large force to make war on Cassander in Greece, using the catchcry of ‘Freedom of the Greeks’ to rally support for the Antigonid cause. Through some good luck, Demetrius was able to land in the Piraeus and evict Cassander’s agent, Demetrius of Pha…
The Campaign of Ipsus
The growing fears of the other Successors over the burgeoning power of the Antigonid dynasty, which was impinging on their own kingdoms, led to the formation of a coalition aimed at removing the Antigonids from power. The actions of the coalition eventually culminated in the battle of Ipsus in 301 BC, which proved to be a watershed in the history of the Diadochoi. This chapter discusses the preliminaries to the battle, the location, and manoeuvri…
Conclusion
The book concludes with reflections on the legacy of Demetrius the Besieger and the unique nature of Hellenistic kingship that he established and exemplified. A summary is provided of the final events of the so-called Diadoch era leading up to the deaths of Lysimachus in the battle of Corupedium in 281 BC, and Seleucus shortly after at the hands of Ptolemy Ceraunus. Demetrius’ standing among his rival Successors and his status as a fitting heir t…
Demetrius the Besieger
Demetrius the Besieger is a historical and historiographical biography of Demetrius Poliorcetes ‘The Besieger of Cities’ (336–282 BC), an outstanding, yet enigmatic figure who presided over the disintegration of Alexander the Great’s empire after 323 BC. His campaigns, initiatives, and personal life bestride the opening forty years of the so-called ‘Hellenistic’ age, and are pivotal in its formation. Son of Antigonus Monophthalmus ‘The One-Eyed’,…
The Antigonid Campaign in Cyprus, 306 BC
This chapter continues to discuss the mid-career of Demetrius Poliorcetes, and the military and political strategies of the Antigonid family, which had grown to be an absolute force to be reckoned with. Demetrius was next ordered by his father to invade Cyprus, where he conducted a campaign against Ptolemaic forces. It was during this military engagement that Demetrius won a monumental sea battle against Ptolemy off Salamis. This battle proved a …
Demetrius’ Flight
This chapter sheds much light on the outcome of the battle of Ipsus in 301 BC, which proved to have long-lasting repercussions for Demetrius Poliorcetes. The distribution of the spoils following the battle had a massive impact on Hellenistic politics and the boundaries of the Successor kingdoms, but Demetrius’ position was not as hopeless as has previously been argued. Some of these distributions proved to be in name only, as Demetrius was quick …
The Silent Years
This chapter offers a reconstruction of what might be referred to as ‘the Silent Years’, that is to say, 310–308 BC, where our ancient sources provide very little information about Demetrius Poliorcetes’ whereabouts and activities. Antigonus Monophthalmus himself campaigned unsuccessfully in Babylonia from 310 BC, and left Demetrius in charge of Antigonid possessions in Syria and Anatolia. During this time Ptolemy invaded Anatolia and, aided by t…
The Fruits of Victory
In this chapter, the outcome of the previous campaign is discussed in great detail. This was a decisive victory for the Antigonids, and in the aftermath of the victory at Salamis, Antigonus assumed the title of ‘King’ for himself and Demetrius, an action which the other dynasts copied within a few years. Demetrius also commenced his famous relationship with the courtesan Lamia, whom he had captured after the battle. In autumn of 306 BC the Antigo…
Demetrius’ Return to Greece, 304–303 BC
This chapter continues to offer detailed analysis of Demetrius Poliorcetes’ career, as well as a reconstruction of the events during the years 304–303 BC. Demetrius returned to Greece in autumn 304 , and drove Cassander’s forces out of Boeotia and Attica. However, military matters were not the only things on Demetrius’ mind, and he spent a dissolute winter in the Parthenon with the infamous Lamia and many named courtesans, which was the subject o…
Demetrius and Phila
The death of Alexander the Great brings a great deal of political upheaval to the empire, and Alexander’s generals are quick to react. After being threatened by Perdiccas, Antigonus Monophthalmus fled from Phrygia, and eventually forged an alliance with Antipater at the settlement of Triparadeisus in 321 or 320 BC. He cemented it by marrying the 15-year-old Demetrius to Antipater’s daughter Phila, who was aged around 35. She was the mother to Dem…
The Great Siege of Rhodes
In 305 BC the newly-minted King Demetrius began his most famous exploit, his year-long siege of Rhodes. This chapter looks closely at a number of aspects of this military undertaking, including Demetrius’ strategies in siege warfare. Innovative siege engines, both naval and land-based, were deployed on an absolutely unprecedented scale, including the building of the gigantic helepolis , or ‘City-Taker’. The protagonists fought each other to a sta…
Wolves at the Door
This chapter discusses a major turning point during Demetrius’ campaign, as at a critical moment the Besieger lost the kingdom of Macedonia. Demetrius was forced to flee in disguise and disgrace as disorder erupted within his army, most of which deserted to Pyrrhus, who was subsequently proclaimed king of Macedonia in his wake. This chapter discusses the events which led to Demetrius’ failure as king, and offers insight into his next strategy fol…
The End of the Reign of Demetrius Poliorcetes
The work concludes the account of Demetrius Poliorcetes’ last campaign. With a lack of supplies, low morale, and no further options, the great Demetrius the Besieger was forced to admit defeat and surrender to Seleucus. This chapter discusses the last events of the campaign, the causes of its failure, and offers some commentary on the nature of the ancient sources for his final years. In particular, the parallels drawn by Plutarch between Demetri…
Demetrius’ Fortunes Unravel
The devastating failure in Macedonia sent reverberations throughout Demetrius Poliorcetes’ other possessions. The king suffered from multiple revolts and losses among his remaining territories, including unrest within the city of Athens, where the citizens again tried to take advantage of the situation and free their city from Macedonian rule. Demetrius, however, was able to overcome these setbacks, and made another alliance. This chapter gives a…
A Diadoch’s Apprenticeship
This chapter offers a discussion of the young Demetrius’ early involvement in the politics and battles of Alexander the Great’s Successors, who continued to wage war against one another for territory. Demetrius Poliorcetes accompanied his father Antigonus Monophthalmus to Iran in the campaigns of the Second Diadoch War, where he played minor command roles in the great battles of Paraetacene and Gabiene in the winter of 317/316 BC. It was here tha…
A New Anabasis?
Demetrius Poliorcetes returned from Athens to Macedonia, where at last he prepared a campaign that aimed at recovering the former Macedonian Empire. It is clear from the evidence that Demetrius was preparing for an ambitious campaign on a grand scale. However, during these preparations he was also forced to deal with his tenuous hold over his current possessions, especially the attitudes of the dissatisfied Macedonian citizens who were not entire…
Demetrius the Living God
This chapter discusses Demetrius Poliorcetes’ activities in the years after he had taken the throne of Macedonia, and offers insight into his ambitions and plans. One unusual event that was of critical importance was a visit to Athens during this period. On this occasion, Demetrius was hailed as a living god by the people of Athens, and he was awarded religious honours, and divine status with the ithyphallic hymn, including the attribution of div…
The Final Campaign
During what was to be Demetrius’ final campaign, he initially enjoyed some success with his attacks on Lysimachus’ territories. This chapter follows Demetrius’ progress, and also offers insight into the politics and manoeuvring of the other Successors. Another important event occurred during this time as Demetrius also married the daughter Ptolemais, the daughter of Ptolemy (and his own niece). She became the mother of one of Demetrius’ children,…
Demetrius in Athens
This chapter provides critical insight into the relationship between Demetrius Poliorcetes and the famous city of Athens. The Athenian reaction to their ‘liberation’ by the Antigonids was absolutely extraordinary, and, sponsored by Demetrius’ supporter Stratocles, many honours were voted to the Antigonids and their retainers in gratitude for the expulsion of Demetrius of Phalerum. These honours included such things as gold statues, crowns, citize…
The Mysteries and the League
In early 303 BC Demetrius Poliorcetes consolidated his hold over the Peloponnese, and then made the unusual request that the Athenians allow him accelerated initiation into the religious cult known as the Eleusinian Mysteries. This was made possible by an extraordinary alteration of the Attic calendar, and in nine days he passed through the three stages of a ritual which normally took nineteen months. By 302, after a great deal of diplomatic acti…
King of the Macedonians
Following the regicide of Alexander, Demetrius Poliorcetes was accepted as the new king of Macedonia. This chapter discusses the political background which led to Demetrius’ claim being ratified. Although the Macedonians readily acclaimed him, it was not entirely a smooth transition of power, and Demetrius was forced to focus his attention on the consolidation of his new territory. The unrest and political situation gave rise to revolts in Boeoti…
The Besieger Alone
During the immediate years after the defeat at the battle of Ipsus, Demetrius continued to rebuild his fortunes by raiding Lysimachus’ territories in the Thracian Chersonese, making use of his powerful navy, which proved to be a considerable advantage. A series of political marriage alliances among the other Successors and their families prompted a quick shuffling of relationships and loyalties. The marriage of Seleucus and Demetrius’ daughter St…
Demetrius and Athens. Again
While Demetrius Poliorcetes was continuing to rebuild his kingdom and strengthen his power, other opportunities arose which he was able to manipulate to his advantage. Political trouble in Athens gave rise to a tyrant, Lachares, and the subsequent civil strife provided the perfect opportunity for the Besieger to take back Athens, which had rejected him after the defeat at the battle of Ipsus. This chapter discusses the tyranny of Lachares, includ…
The Acquisition of Macedonia
This chapter discusses the death of Cassander, who had been the king of Macedonia. This was followed very shortly by the death of his heir and eldest son Philip. The deaths of these two kings resulted in a succession crisis, and internal strife within the Antipatrid family. The two younger sons Alexander and Antipater struggled for the kingship, and Antipater killed his mother Thessalonice for supporting Alexander’s claim to the throne over his o…
The Antigonid ‘Liberation’ of Athens in 307 BC
This chapter discusses a number of events which were of critical importance to the Antigonids as they continued to build their empire. In 307 BC Antigonus Monophthalmus sent Demetrius Poliorcetes with a large force to make war on Cassander in Greece, using the catchcry of ‘Freedom of the Greeks’ to rally support for the Antigonid cause. Through some good luck, Demetrius was able to land in the Piraeus and evict Cassander’s agent, Demetrius of Pha…
The Campaign of Ipsus
The growing fears of the other Successors over the burgeoning power of the Antigonid dynasty, which was impinging on their own kingdoms, led to the formation of a coalition aimed at removing the Antigonids from power. The actions of the coalition eventually culminated in the battle of Ipsus in 301 BC, which proved to be a watershed in the history of the Diadochoi. This chapter discusses the preliminaries to the battle, the location, and manoeuvri…
Conclusion
The book concludes with reflections on the legacy of Demetrius the Besieger and the unique nature of Hellenistic kingship that he established and exemplified. A summary is provided of the final events of the so-called Diadoch era leading up to the deaths of Lysimachus in the battle of Corupedium in 281 BC, and Seleucus shortly after at the hands of Ptolemy Ceraunus. Demetrius’ standing among his rival Successors and his status as a fitting heir t…
The Young Demetrius Poliorcetes
Demetrius Poliorcetes was born in Macedonia, but grew up at Celaenae in central Phrygia with his parents, the great general Antigonus Monophthalmus (‘the One-Eyed’) and Stratonice, and his extended family. This chapter discusses aspects of Demetrius’ childhood and upbringing, the family structure, and the political context in which Demetrius was raised. Literary sources such as the ancient author Plutarch, who wrote a biography of Demetrius, desc…
Demetrius the Besieger
Demetrius the Besieger is a historical and historiographical biography of Demetrius Poliorcetes ‘The Besieger of Cities’ (336–282 BC), an outstanding, yet enigmatic figure who presided over the disintegration of Alexander the Great’s empire after 323 BC. His campaigns, initiatives, and personal life bestride the opening forty years of the so-called ‘Hellenistic’ age, and are pivotal in its formation. Son of Antigonus Monophthalmus ‘The One-Eyed’,…
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