Henry Colburn
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- May 2020
- ISBN:
- 9781474452366
- eISBN:
- 9781474476454
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9781474452366.001.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Asian and Middle Eastern History: BCE to 500CE
This book is the first study of the material culture of Egypt during the period of Achaemenid Persian rule (ca. 526-404 B.C., also known as the ‘27th Dynasty’). Previous studies have characterised ...
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This book is the first study of the material culture of Egypt during the period of Achaemenid Persian rule (ca. 526-404 B.C., also known as the ‘27th Dynasty’). Previous studies have characterised this period either as ephemeral and weak or oppressive and harsh. These characterisations, however, are based on the perceived lack of evidence for this period, filtered through ancient and modern preconceptions about the Persians. This book challenges these views in two ways: first, by assembling and analyzing the archaeological remains from this period, including temples, tombs, irrigation works, statues, stelae, sealings, drinking vessels and coins; and second, by using that material to study both the nature of Achaemenid rule, and how the people living in Egypt experienced that rule. The archaeological perspective permits the study of people from all walks of life, not just the elites who could afford to commission statues and; rather, by looking at the decisions made about material culture by a wide range of people in Egypt, it is possible to understand both how the Persians integrated Egypt into their empire, and how various individuals understood their roles in society during the course of this integration. It is thus a study of both imperialism and identity.Less
This book is the first study of the material culture of Egypt during the period of Achaemenid Persian rule (ca. 526-404 B.C., also known as the ‘27th Dynasty’). Previous studies have characterised this period either as ephemeral and weak or oppressive and harsh. These characterisations, however, are based on the perceived lack of evidence for this period, filtered through ancient and modern preconceptions about the Persians. This book challenges these views in two ways: first, by assembling and analyzing the archaeological remains from this period, including temples, tombs, irrigation works, statues, stelae, sealings, drinking vessels and coins; and second, by using that material to study both the nature of Achaemenid rule, and how the people living in Egypt experienced that rule. The archaeological perspective permits the study of people from all walks of life, not just the elites who could afford to commission statues and; rather, by looking at the decisions made about material culture by a wide range of people in Egypt, it is possible to understand both how the Persians integrated Egypt into their empire, and how various individuals understood their roles in society during the course of this integration. It is thus a study of both imperialism and identity.
Richard Stoneman
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780300180077
- eISBN:
- 9780300216042
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300180077.003.0008
- Subject:
- History, Ancient History / Archaeology
This chapter focuses on Xerxes's love life, which proved to be his downfall. Unlike his polygamous father, Xerxes spent his life married to a single woman, Amestris, the daughter of Otanes, the ...
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This chapter focuses on Xerxes's love life, which proved to be his downfall. Unlike his polygamous father, Xerxes spent his life married to a single woman, Amestris, the daughter of Otanes, the commander of the Persian army that marched to Greece. Amestris bore Xerxes three sons (Darius, Hystaspes, and Artaxerxes) and three daughters (Amytis, Rodogyne, and Ratahshah). Xerxes scores quite highly in terms of love and fidelity. However, Xerxes's fidelity collapsed in the last days of the expedition to Greece; while in Sardis he fell for the wife of his full brother Masistes. This chapter considers the polygamy of the Persian kings, along with the question of whether there is a building or suite of rooms that may be described as a harem in the Achaemenid Empire. It also examines Xerxes's affair with his niece in his last years as well as his relationship with Queen Esther.Less
This chapter focuses on Xerxes's love life, which proved to be his downfall. Unlike his polygamous father, Xerxes spent his life married to a single woman, Amestris, the daughter of Otanes, the commander of the Persian army that marched to Greece. Amestris bore Xerxes three sons (Darius, Hystaspes, and Artaxerxes) and three daughters (Amytis, Rodogyne, and Ratahshah). Xerxes scores quite highly in terms of love and fidelity. However, Xerxes's fidelity collapsed in the last days of the expedition to Greece; while in Sardis he fell for the wife of his full brother Masistes. This chapter considers the polygamy of the Persian kings, along with the question of whether there is a building or suite of rooms that may be described as a harem in the Achaemenid Empire. It also examines Xerxes's affair with his niece in his last years as well as his relationship with Queen Esther.
Paul A. Rahe
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- January 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780300242614
- eISBN:
- 9780300249262
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300242614.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, Military History
This chapter looks at how the Persians coped with their defeat during the war. In 480 BCE, Xerxes son of Darius, the Achaemenid king of Persia, withdrew to Sardis in western Anatolia. The following ...
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This chapter looks at how the Persians coped with their defeat during the war. In 480 BCE, Xerxes son of Darius, the Achaemenid king of Persia, withdrew to Sardis in western Anatolia. The following year, as events unfolded in mainland Greece and Ionia, he waited patiently in the ancient Lydian capital, providing guidance insofar as communications allowed and anxiously awaiting news—at least until, one must suspect, the arrival of a report concerning Persia's defeat. If Xerxes was dismayed at the outcome of his war with the Hellenes, he certainly did not let on. Yet despite the defeat of the Achaemenid Empire, events were already unfolding in Hellas which led to the gradual division of the once-great military alliance of the Greeks. Things were beginning to unfold to the Persians' advantage.Less
This chapter looks at how the Persians coped with their defeat during the war. In 480 BCE, Xerxes son of Darius, the Achaemenid king of Persia, withdrew to Sardis in western Anatolia. The following year, as events unfolded in mainland Greece and Ionia, he waited patiently in the ancient Lydian capital, providing guidance insofar as communications allowed and anxiously awaiting news—at least until, one must suspect, the arrival of a report concerning Persia's defeat. If Xerxes was dismayed at the outcome of his war with the Hellenes, he certainly did not let on. Yet despite the defeat of the Achaemenid Empire, events were already unfolding in Hellas which led to the gradual division of the once-great military alliance of the Greeks. Things were beginning to unfold to the Persians' advantage.
Peter Thonemann
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199652143
- eISBN:
- 9780191745935
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199652143.003.0003
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, European History: BCE to 500CE, Archaeology: Classical
This chapter offers a new reconstruction of Alexander the Great's fragmentary edict to Priene (I. Priene 1; Rhodes–Osborne, GHI 86, probably of 334 bc). Alexander's edict, concerning the status of a ...
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This chapter offers a new reconstruction of Alexander the Great's fragmentary edict to Priene (I. Priene 1; Rhodes–Osborne, GHI 86, probably of 334 bc). Alexander's edict, concerning the status of a number of dependent communities in the vicinity of Priene, such as Naulochon, has played a prominent role in modern scholarship on Alexander's Philhellenism, the nature and extent of ‘royal land’ in the former Achaemenid empire, the civic life of the Greek poleis of western Asia Minor in the early Hellenistic period, and ancient archival practices. Much of this modern scholarship, however, is based on questionable restorations of fragmentary passages in the edict. This chapter offers alternative reconstructions of three critical clauses in the edict, which (if correct) shed a new light on Alexander's policies towards the Greek cities of Asia Minor in the earliest days of his Asiatic campaign.Less
This chapter offers a new reconstruction of Alexander the Great's fragmentary edict to Priene (I. Priene 1; Rhodes–Osborne, GHI 86, probably of 334 bc). Alexander's edict, concerning the status of a number of dependent communities in the vicinity of Priene, such as Naulochon, has played a prominent role in modern scholarship on Alexander's Philhellenism, the nature and extent of ‘royal land’ in the former Achaemenid empire, the civic life of the Greek poleis of western Asia Minor in the early Hellenistic period, and ancient archival practices. Much of this modern scholarship, however, is based on questionable restorations of fragmentary passages in the edict. This chapter offers alternative reconstructions of three critical clauses in the edict, which (if correct) shed a new light on Alexander's policies towards the Greek cities of Asia Minor in the earliest days of his Asiatic campaign.
Waldemar Heckel
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- March 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780190076689
- eISBN:
- 9780197501146
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190076689.003.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, World History: BCE to 500CE
What induced Alexander to embark upon a war of conquest against Persia? How did the peoples he attacked resist him, and why? The undertaking was bequeathed to him by his father, Philip II, whose ...
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What induced Alexander to embark upon a war of conquest against Persia? How did the peoples he attacked resist him, and why? The undertaking was bequeathed to him by his father, Philip II, whose expedition to the East was cut short by his assassination. The ostensible motives, which were presented in the form of slogans concerning vengeance and Panhellenism, were those that had been promoted in the Greek world since the years that followed the invasion of Greece by Xerxes in 480/79. The target of Alexander’s counter-invasion was the Achaemenid Empire, but the apparent soft underbelly was formed by the states thought to be held in servitude by the Persian king. Indeed, the king’s subjects were generally referred to as douloi, “slaves” of their vainglorious master. But their attitudes toward “liberation” varied according to experience, and although some welcomed the Conqueror, the notion that they welcomed a new master was mistaken.Less
What induced Alexander to embark upon a war of conquest against Persia? How did the peoples he attacked resist him, and why? The undertaking was bequeathed to him by his father, Philip II, whose expedition to the East was cut short by his assassination. The ostensible motives, which were presented in the form of slogans concerning vengeance and Panhellenism, were those that had been promoted in the Greek world since the years that followed the invasion of Greece by Xerxes in 480/79. The target of Alexander’s counter-invasion was the Achaemenid Empire, but the apparent soft underbelly was formed by the states thought to be held in servitude by the Persian king. Indeed, the king’s subjects were generally referred to as douloi, “slaves” of their vainglorious master. But their attitudes toward “liberation” varied according to experience, and although some welcomed the Conqueror, the notion that they welcomed a new master was mistaken.
Waldemar Heckel
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- March 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780190076689
- eISBN:
- 9780197501146
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190076689.001.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, World History: BCE to 500CE
This book offers a fresh insight into the conquests of Alexander the Great by attempting to view the events of 336–323 from the vantage point of the defeated. The extent, and form, of the resistance ...
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This book offers a fresh insight into the conquests of Alexander the Great by attempting to view the events of 336–323 from the vantage point of the defeated. The extent, and form, of the resistance of those whose territories were invaded varied in accordance with previous relationships with either the Macedonian invader or the Achaemenids. The internal political situations of many states—particularly the Greek cities of Asia Minor—were also a factor. In the vast Persian Empire from the Aegean to the Indus, some states surrendered voluntarily, and others offered fierce resistance. Not all regions were subdued through military actions. Indeed, the excessive use of force on Alexander’s part is demonstrated as ineffective and counterproductive. This book examines the reasons for these varied responses, giving more emphasis to the defeated and less to the Conqueror and his Macedonians. In the process, it debunks many long-held views concerning Alexander’s motives. Such a study involves rigorous analysis of the ancient sources, and their testimony is presented throughout the book in the form of newly translated passages.Less
This book offers a fresh insight into the conquests of Alexander the Great by attempting to view the events of 336–323 from the vantage point of the defeated. The extent, and form, of the resistance of those whose territories were invaded varied in accordance with previous relationships with either the Macedonian invader or the Achaemenids. The internal political situations of many states—particularly the Greek cities of Asia Minor—were also a factor. In the vast Persian Empire from the Aegean to the Indus, some states surrendered voluntarily, and others offered fierce resistance. Not all regions were subdued through military actions. Indeed, the excessive use of force on Alexander’s part is demonstrated as ineffective and counterproductive. This book examines the reasons for these varied responses, giving more emphasis to the defeated and less to the Conqueror and his Macedonians. In the process, it debunks many long-held views concerning Alexander’s motives. Such a study involves rigorous analysis of the ancient sources, and their testimony is presented throughout the book in the form of newly translated passages.
Philip S. Alexander
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- March 2016
- ISBN:
- 9781479823048
- eISBN:
- 9781479873975
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- NYU Press
- DOI:
- 10.18574/nyu/9781479823048.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, Ancient History / Archaeology
This chapter traces the history of Jewish engagement with ancient science by contextualizing the literature related to Enoch. It first considers a working definition of “science” and the earlier ...
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This chapter traces the history of Jewish engagement with ancient science by contextualizing the literature related to Enoch. It first considers a working definition of “science” and the earlier history of science before assessing evidence of scientific interest among Jews in late antiquity, including the Second Temple period and the period covered by the Achaemenid Empire. In particular, it examines surviving concentrations of Jewish science from the Second Temple period in Enochic literature. It then links a distinct Jewish tradition to forerunners of Greek science in other parts of the Mediterranean shore, citing the Ionian philosophers of nature as a prime example. It also highlights the distinction between the scientific Enoch tradition and the Mosaic tradition, the latter of which was less interested in the natural sciences. Finally, it examines the Jewish narrative on the history of knowledge, with particular emphasis on the myth of the Watchers.Less
This chapter traces the history of Jewish engagement with ancient science by contextualizing the literature related to Enoch. It first considers a working definition of “science” and the earlier history of science before assessing evidence of scientific interest among Jews in late antiquity, including the Second Temple period and the period covered by the Achaemenid Empire. In particular, it examines surviving concentrations of Jewish science from the Second Temple period in Enochic literature. It then links a distinct Jewish tradition to forerunners of Greek science in other parts of the Mediterranean shore, citing the Ionian philosophers of nature as a prime example. It also highlights the distinction between the scientific Enoch tradition and the Mosaic tradition, the latter of which was less interested in the natural sciences. Finally, it examines the Jewish narrative on the history of knowledge, with particular emphasis on the myth of the Watchers.