Imagination of a Monarchy

Studies in Ptolemaic Propaganda

Bibliographic Data

ID3939847
AuthorsStanley M Burstein (0000-0002-3288-4643), R A Hazzard
Year2002
Volume56
Issue1/2
Pages185
Publication date2002-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenuePhoenix (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0031-8299 • E-ISSN: 1929-4883
PublisherJSTOR (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.2307/1192489
OpenAlexW2157610598
LanguageEN
Citations received16

Scholars have long known that the Egyptian Ptolemaic monarchy underwent a transformation between 323 and 30 BC. The queens of that dynasty started as subordinates of the kings but ended as their superiors. Exactly when and how this change occurred has proven problematic for modern scholars. R.A. Hazzard argues that this change was put in motion by Ptolemy II, who glorified his sister ArsinoT and made acceptable a civilian style of kingship based on piety towards his real and mythical ancestors. Ptolemy's support and elevation of his sister inspired the queens of the line to assert themselves at the expense of their male associates. The process culminated in the absolute rule of Kleopatra VII after 47 BC. Hazzard presents a clear argument based on the numismatic, epigraphical, papyrological, literary, and historical sources

Ancient history · Art · Literature · Monarchy · Political science · Politics · Ancient Egypt and Archaeology · Classical Antiquity Studies · Historical and Literary Studies · History · Law