This study comprises a synthesis of textual, iconographic and archaeological evidence relating to kingship in the later Achaemenid empire, from the end of the reign of Darius II to the invasion and death of Alexander III of Macedon. Chapter 1 deals with the textual evidence for the defenition of the Achaemenid dynasty in the fourth century and considers literary definitions of kingship in epitaphic eulogies and heroic conquest narratives. Authors referred to include Xenophon, Isocrates, Arrian and Herodotus and Darius I's inscriptions are discussed in detail. Chapter 2 considers 'Court Tales' in Greek, Aramaic and Hebrew, looking at how foreign groups presented themselves in the Achaemenid court and in relationship to the king. Chapter 3 begins with court tales about objects and luxury material culture associated with the Persian king and goes on to discuss pictorial and archaeological evidence for its extent and associations. A detailed survey is made of extant Achaemenid-style glass tableware. Chapter 4 expands this discussion into a survey of the fourth century royal visual environment. Two case studies examine the iconographic presentation of the king in two roles in a variety of media: the enthroned monarch accessible to petitioners and the combative royal hero fighting beasts and representatives of subject nations. Both genres represent structures through which regional cultures could formulate distinctive relationships with Achaemenid authority. Key themes throughout include regional engagement with royal culture and ideas and the continuing depth of Near Eastern historical tradition in the later Achaemenid period.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:289854 |
| Date | January 2002 |
| Creators | Allen, Lindsay Kirsten |
| Publisher | University College London (University of London) |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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