Polygamy, Prostitutes and Death

The Hellenistic Dynasties

by Daniel Ogden

Book cover: Polygamy, Prostitutes and Death

Extent: 407 pages

Publisher: The Classical Press of Wales

Subjects: Classical Studies

Series: Hellenistic World

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(May 2023)

ISBN: 9781914535383

6.1 x 9.17 inches

Price: $38.00

In stock

(PDF) (Forthcoming)

ISBN: 9781914535772

Price: $38.00

The hellenistic royal families, from Alexander the Great to the last Cleopatra, took part in dynastic in-fighting that was vicious, colourful and instructive. In this they anticipated by centuries the better known excesses under Roman potentates such as Claudius and Nero. This new enhanced and revised edition of a major study explores the intricate quarrels and violence within the ruling hellenistic families. A main theme is the role of ‘amphimetric’ disputes, competition between a ruler’s offspring from different women, and especially between the women themselves. The book also includes a full exploration of the role of courtesans in the political and sexual intrigues of the hellenistic courts.

  • By (author) Daniel Ogden