Comparing the Ptolemaic and Seleucid Empires
Integration, Communication, and Resistance

First comparative analysis of the role of local elites and populations in the formation of the two main Hellenistic empires.

Christelle Fischer-Bovet (Edited by), Sitta von Reden (Edited by)

9781108479257, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 30 September 2021

400 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 2.5 cm, 0.75 kg

'… a rich and rewarding collection of excellent papers … Highly recommended.' S. M. Burstein, Choice Connect

The Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires are usually studied separately, or else included in broader examinations of the Hellenistic world. This book provides a systematic comparison of the roles of local elites and local populations in the construction, negotiation, and adaptation of political, economic, military and ideological power within these states in formation. The two states, conceived as multi-ethnic empires, are sufficiently similar to make comparisons valid, while the process of comparison highlights and better explains differences. Regions that were successively incorporated into the Ptolemaic and then Seleucid state receive particular attention, and are understood within the broader picture of the ruling strategies of both empires. The book focusses on forms of communication through coins, inscriptions and visual culture; settlement policies and the relationship between local and immigrant populations; and the forms of collaboration with and resistance of local elites against immigrant populations and government institutions.

Introduction Christelle Fischer-Bovet and Sitta von Reden
Part I. Cities, Settlement and Integration: 1. Imperial Metropoleis and foundation myths: Ptolemaic and Seleucid capitals compared Sitta von Reden and Rolf Strootman
2. Reassessing Hellenistic settlement policies: the Seleucid Far East, the Ptolemaic Red Sea basin and Egypt Rachel Mairs and Christelle Fischer-Bovet
3. The integration of indigenous elites and the development of Poleis in the Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires Philippe Clancier and Gilles Gorre
4. Contextualizing a Ptolemaic solution: the institution of the ethnic Politeuma Patrick Sänger
Part II. Communication and Exchange: 5. Imperial and indigenous temporalities in the Ptolemaic and Seleucid dynasties: a comparison of times Paul Kosmin and Ian Moyer
6. The visual representation of Ptolemaic and Seleucid kings: media and messages Ralf von den Hoff
7. Monetary policies, coin production and currency supply in the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires Panagiotis Iossif and Catharine Lorber
Part III. Collaboration, Crisis, and Resistance: 8. Legitimizing the foreign king in the Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires: the role of local elites and priests Stefan Pfeiffer and Hilmar Klinkott
9. Antiochus III, Ptolemy IV and local elites: deal-making politics at its peak François Gerardin and Boris Dreyer
10. Regional revolts in the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires Sylvie Honigman and Anne-Emmanuelle Veïsse.

Subject Areas: Classical Greek & Roman archaeology [HDDK], Egyptian archaeology / Egyptology [HDDG], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA]