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 divine parentage by naming Demetrius the son of Poseidon and Aphrodite. The hymn also encouraged Demetrius to take action against the Aetolians, and this in turn offers some insight into the political relationship between Demetrius and Athens during these years.

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