with K. Trampedach: 'Introduction: Understanding Alexander’s Relations With His Subjects' (original) (raw)

The general perspective of researchers who investigate the campaigns of Alexander has been reoriented in recent decades. In this regard one can mention P. Briant’s attempt to pull out Darius III from Alexander’s shadow (Darius dans l’ombre d’Alexander [2003]). This current interest to survey this episode of history from the viewpoint of the conquered people has motivated H. to write the book under review (p. 2). To answer the question about the nature of resistance, H. first looks at the acts of the opposing side on the battlefield; he then focuses on the resistance of cities to submission (p. 5). Two more aspects could be mentioned: malfeasance on the part of officials and the fact that some Macedonian troops opposed some of their king’s actions (p. 6).

Throughout history the life of Alexander the Great has been a largely studied topic. His divinity, however, has been the focus of scholarly interest especially during the last century. During this time, a widely accepted theory has been that Alexander was deified during his lifetime. However, the evidence for this claim is sometimes scarce and inconclusive. In this dissertation, I will examine and analyse different accounts on Alexander's deeds and life in order to evaluate whether this widely accepted claim has enough evidence to be stated confidently, as many scholars have done it in the last century. To achieve this, I will compare and contrast the ancient sources with modern works, to later analyse to which extent are they valid and represent accurate interpretations based on solid grounds. The overall conclusion is that none of the passages that have been used to affirm the divinisation of Alexander during his lifetime are decisive enough to accept the modern theory as true.

Book review of: The Legitimation of Conquest Monarchical Representation and the Art of Government in the Empire of Alexander the Great by Kai Trampedach & Alexander Meeus (editors) ISBN: 978-3515127813, 363 pages Franz Steiner Verlag, 2020 Contributors: Alexander Meeus, Andrew Monson, Christian Mann, Hans-Joachim Gehrke, Kai Trampedach, Manuela Mari, Matthias Haake, Maurizio Giangiulio, Maxim M. Kholod, Michael Jursa, Michele Faraguna, Ralf von den Hoff, Shane Wallace, Tonio Hölscher, Wilhelm Köhler

Re-edition with translation and commentary of P.Oxy. LVI 3824

Alexander is the only one character in the Universal history that cannot be explained in his social and historical context, given that he is regarded as a man ahead of his time, a man, indeed, who has nothing to do with his own people. Because of his excepcionality, we are predisposed to study this topic adopting a biographical approach, rather than a social-historical one. Therefore, the number of studies about Alexander is so vast that it is almost impossible for the researchers to know everything that is published about him. Other logical consequence of the fact that Alexander is considered as a turning point of the history of mankind is that experts from many different fields have felt the need of writing about him. In conclusion, Alexander scholarship remains largely untouched by the influences which have transformed history and classics since 1945. Alexander historians do what Alexander historians have done for more than a hundred years: try to discover the facts about Alexander the Great. Scholars have to stop regarding Alexander of Macedonia as the origin of everything, in both light and darkness.It may be true that Alexander changed the world, but what is unquestionable is that the world has changed the image of Alexander more times than he did it.

PREFACE Recently, the history of Alexander and his Successors has attracted growing attention of modern academia. The Hellenistic world is not viewed anymore as a moment of decadence after the splendour of the Greek Classical age, enlightened by Athens' bright star, but as an engaging example of ante litteram globalization, the essential premise to the development of the Roman Empire. We have consequently considered opportune and significant to organise a conference meeting devoted to Alexander' s Legacy. We would like to thank all of the Italian and foreign Colleagues who have so valuably contributed to the success of our project. We would also like to thank the young scholars who have promptly examined through their posters some specific matters. A heartfelt thanks to the Dipartimento di Storia, Archeologia e Storia dell' Arte of our University, as well as to the Department Chair, Professor Giuseppe Zecchini. Without the support of the Department, nothing would have been possible. Finally, we are grateful to our Colleague Alberto Barzano and to Dr. Monica D' Agostini, who have effectively helped us to overcome the unavoidable linguistic difficulties. Atti del Convegno, Milano-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, settembre 2015. CINZIA BEARZOT FRANCA LANDUCCI