Synopses & Reviews
A History of the Hellenistic World provides a new, authoritative account of the period following the reign of Alexander the Great. With clear narration and extensive documentation, the book explains the highly complex political history of the Hellenistic period.
The text thoroughly explores each region of the Hellenistic world, emphasizing the political metamorphosis of Greek society under the impact of Macedonian expansion. It highlights the evolving relationship between Greek city-states and the new monarchies, and traces the Macedonian roots of the creation of the Hellenistic world while examining the development of new non-Macedonian monarchies in Asia Minor.
Review
“No other period of Greek history is as complex as the three centuries between the death of Alexander and the suicide of Cleopatra, or as rich in source material. This book presents an up-to-date, reliable reconstruction of the political framework of the Hellenistic world, which can meet the demands of the increasing interest in this period in teaching and research.”
–Angelos Chaniotis, University of Oxford
“Accessible, informative, and lucidly written, Errington's History of the Hellenistic World will provide an invaluable and user-friendly guide for students of the Hellenistic Age for many years to come.”
–Claude Eilers, McMaster University
Synopsis
A History of the Hellenistic World provides an engaging look at the Macedonian monarchies in the period following the reign of Alexander the Great, and examines their impact on the Greek world.
Synopsis
A History of the Hellenistic World provides an engaging look at the Macedonian monarchies in the period following the reign of Alexander the Great, and examines their impact on the Greek world.
- Offers a clearly organized narrative with particular emphasis on state and governmental structures
- Makes extensive use of inscriptions in translation to illustrate the continuing vitality of the Greek city states prior to the Roman conquest
- Emphasizes the specific Macedonian origins of all active participants in the creation of the Hellenistic world
- Highlights the relationships between Greek city-states and Macedonian monarchies
About the Author
“One thing long lacking in the English-speaking world has been the in-depth, full political narrative … .This … is what Errington's book provides. The author has a sharp eye for intrigue, a gift for interpreting recalcitrant inscriptions, and a clear, brisk prose style. His command of the sources and the by now vast scholarship is masterly. As a result, his text will be equally invaluable—a rare achievement-for students and fellow scholars. Highly recommended.” (
Choice Reviews, December 2008)
"The author, emeritus professor of ancient history at the University of Marburg, highlights the relationships between Greek city-states and Macedonian monarchies." (Times Higher Education Supplement)
Table of Contents
List of Maps ix
Preface x
List of Abbreviations xi
Introduction 1
PART I THE MAKING OF THE HELLENISTIC WORLD 11
1 First Steps 13
I From Babylon to Triparadeisos 13
II Kassander and Polyperchon 21
III Antigonos 28
2 Consolidation 36
I Seleukos 36
II Lysimachos 39
III Ptolemy 40
IV Kassander and Europe 45
3 From Ipsos to Koroupedion 51
I After Ipsos 51
II Demetrios as King of the Macedonians 54
III Asia Minor 56
IV Towards War – Again 59
4 The Structure of Power 63
I The New Kings 63
II Land Distributions and City Foundations 68
III Regional Government 75
PART II THE HELLENISTIC WORLD IN ACTION 77
5 Europe after Koroupedion 79
I Keraunos and the Celtic Invasion 80
II The Rise of the Aitolian League and Delphi 82
III Pyrrhos and Antigonos Gonatas 85
IV Antigonos Gonatas and the Chremonidean War 87
V Aitolia and Achaia 90
VI The Leagues Expand 93
VII Antigonos Doson 96
VIII Retrospect 103
6 Asia 111
I The Structure of Empire 112
II Antiochos I "Soter" 114
III The Middle Years 119
IV Power and Government 126
7 Egypt 143
I Founding Ptolemaic Rule 143
II New and Old 147
III Alexandria and Ptolemais 151
IV Ruler Cult 154
V External Possessions 157
PART III THE CHALLENGE OF ROME 163
8 Clouds in the West 165
I Egypt 165
II Seleukid Asia 171
III Europe 181
9 Storm in the Balkans 191
I Intermezzo 192
II Romans in the Balkans 203
III Antiochos III 214
10 Symploke 221
I Asia 221
II Europe 237
PART IV ROME IN THE HELLENISTIC WORLD 247
11 Europe 249
I Macedonia 249
II Achaia 250
III Athens 253
12 Egypt and Asia 256
I The "Sixth Syrian War" 257
II Western Asia Minor 260
13 The End of the Seleukids 267
I Antiochos IV 268
II The Dynasty Collapses 272
III Terminal Cancer 275
14 Central and Eastern Anatolia 279
I Anatolia Becomes Hellenistic 280
II The "First Mithridatic War" 282
III Anatolia Becomes Roman 287
15 Egypt Becomes Roman 290
I Ptolemy VI "Philometor" 292
II Ptolemy VIII "Euergetes" II 295
III Woman Power 299
IV Kleopatra "Philopator" and the End of Ptolemaic Egypt 305
16 Epilogue 309
Select Bibliography 316
Royal Dynasties 320
Index 324