Polygamy, Prostitutes and Death: The Hellenistic Dynasties by Daniel Ogden (Editor) - 2010-12-30

UK: The Classical Press of Wales, 2010. Reprint. Paperback. Like new. Like new tightly bound softcover in printed wraps. 8vo. (6 x 1 x 9 inches) Clean text free of marks or underlining. B&W photos and illustrations. Includes appendices [3], bibliography and an index. xxxiv, 317 pp. Fast shipping in a secure book box mailer with tracking. 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.