The influence of Achaemenid Persia on fourth-century and early Hellenistic Greek tyranny
This thesis is an examination of how Greek tyranny in the fourth century and the early Hellenistic age was influenced by Achaemenid Persia and the Ancient Near East. The introduction lays out the problems of interpreting the Ancient Near East through Greco-Roman sources, via Ephippus' description of Alexander the Great, as well as discussing two important examples of Persianisation that have been examined in detail in the past: Pausanias of Sparta and Alexander the Great. The relevant Classical Greek and Achaemenid sources concerning Persian kingship are then considered, in order to establish four categories by which to examine the tyrannical dynasties chosen as case studies: Appearance, Accessibility, Dynasty and Military Function. Using these four categories, the dynasties of the Dionysii of Syracuse, the Clearchids of Heraclea Pontica, the Hecatomnids of Caria and Agathocles of Syracuse, chosen for their geographical and temporal variance, are examined individually over the next four chapters. Appearance concerns the ruler's dress and body presentation, the use of status items such as crowns and sceptres, and the display of luxury. Accessibility concerns the use of architecture and fortifications, as well
Lester-Pearson, Miles
DF231.L48 ; Achaemenid dynasty ; 559 B.C.-330 B.C ; Greece--Politics and government--To 146 B.C ; Greece--History--To 146 B.C ; Dictatorship--Greece--History
The influence of Achaemenid Persia on fourth-century and early Hellenistic Greek tyranny. This thesis is an examination of how Greek tyranny in the fourth century and the early Hellenistic age was influenced by Achaemenid Persia and the Ancient Near East. The introduction lays out the problems of interpreting the Ancient Near East through Greco-Roman sources, via Ephippus' description of Alexander the Great, as well as discussing two important examples of Persianisation that have been examined in detail in the past: Pausanias of Sparta and Alexander the Great. The relevant Classical Greek and Achaemenid sources concerning Persian kingship are then considered, in order to establish four categories by which to examine the tyrannical dynasties chosen as case studies: Appearance, Accessibility, Dynasty and Military Function. Using these four categories, the dynasties of the Dionysii of Syracuse, the Clearchids of Heraclea Pontica, the Hecatomnids of Caria and Agathocles of Syracuse, chosen for their geographical and temporal variance, are examined individually over the next four chapters. Appearance concerns the ruler's dress and body presentation, the use of status items such as crowns and sceptres, and the display of luxury. Accessibility concerns the use of architecture and fortifications, as well
influence achaemenid persia fourth_century early_hellenistic greek tyranny examination greek tyranny early_hellenistic age influence achaemenid persia ancient_near_east introduction lay problem interpret ancient_near_east greco_roman source via description alexander_great well discuss two_important example examine_detail past pausanias sparta alexander_great relevant classical_greek achaemenid source concern persian kingship consider order_establish four_category examine dynasty choose case_study appearance accessibility dynasty military function using four_category dynasty choose geographical_temporal variance examine individually next four_chapter appearance concern ruler dress body presentation use status item crown display luxury accessibility concern use architecture fortification well