Comparing the Ptolemaic and Seleucid Empires
Comparing the Ptolemaic and Seleucid Empires
Sitta von Reden, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Germany
The Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires are usually studied separately, or else included in broader examinations of the Hellenistic world. This book provides a systematic comparison of the roles of local elites and local populations in the construction, negotiation, and adaptation of political, economic, military and ideological power within these states in formation. The two states, conceived as multi-ethnic empires, are sufficiently similar to make comparisons valid, while the process of comparison highlights and better explains differences. Regions that were successively incorporated into the Ptolemaic and then Seleucid state receive particular attention, and are understood within the broader picture of the ruling strategies of both empires. The book focusses on forms of communication through coins, inscriptions and visual culture; settlement policies and the relationship between local and immigrant populations; and the forms of collaboration with and resistance of local elites against immigrant populations and government institutions.
- Demonstrates the mutual political and ideological entanglement of the two main Hellenistic empires but also some crucial differences between them
- Highlights the vital role of local contexts in the process of empire formation under foreign domination
- Provides a theoretically informed analysis of empire formation and transformation in the ancient world
Reviews & endorsements
'The book offers numerous vantage points for further study, and it also contains some important lessons on co-authorship in comparative projects.' Benedikt Eckhardt, Bryn Mawr Classical Review
'… a rich and rewarding collection of excellent papers … Highly recommended.' S. M. Burstein, Choice Connect
Product details
September 2021Adobe eBook Reader
9781108804516
0 pages
This ISBN is for an eBook version which is distributed on our behalf by a third party.
Table of Contents
- Introduction Christelle Fischer-Bovet and Sitta von Reden
- Part I. Cities, Settlement and Integration:
- 1. Imperial Metropoleis and foundation myths: Ptolemaic and Seleucid capitals compared Sitta von Reden and Rolf Strootman
- 2. Reassessing Hellenistic settlement policies: the Seleucid Far East, the Ptolemaic Red Sea basin and Egypt Rachel Mairs and Christelle Fischer-Bovet
- 3. The integration of indigenous elites and the development of Poleis in the Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires Philippe Clancier and Gilles Gorre
- 4. Contextualizing a Ptolemaic solution: the institution of the ethnic Politeuma Patrick Sänger
- Part II. Communication and Exchange:
- 5. Imperial and indigenous temporalities in the Ptolemaic and Seleucid dynasties: a comparison of times Paul Kosmin and Ian Moyer
- 6. The visual representation of Ptolemaic and Seleucid kings: media and messages Ralf von den Hoff
- 7. Monetary policies, coin production and currency supply in the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires Panagiotis Iossif and Catharine Lorber
- Part III. Collaboration, Crisis, and Resistance:
- 8. Legitimizing the foreign king in the Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires: the role of local elites and priests Stefan Pfeiffer and Hilmar Klinkott
- 9. Antiochus III, Ptolemy IV and local elites: deal-making politics at its peak François Gerardin and Boris Dreyer
- 10. Regional revolts in the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires Sylvie Honigman and Anne-Emmanuelle Veïsse.
