Polygamy, Prostitutes and Death

The Hellenistic Dynasties

by Daniel Ogden

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Extent: 373 pages

Publisher: The Classical Press of Wales

Subjects: Classical Studies

Language: English

PDF (Published)

(May 2023)

ISBN: 9781914535406

Price: $31.00

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 major new 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