Commemorating Classical Battles: A Landscape Biography Approach to Marathon, Leuktra, and Chaironeia

This research explores the commemoration of Classical Greek battles through monuments and mnemonic practices,analyzing the diachronic development of battlefield,sanctuary,and city spaces. It organizes the commemoration into stages and concludes that single commemorations can resonate differently with multiple audiences. The battles of Marathon, Leuktra, and Chaironeia are case studies due to their span, participants, and lasting impacts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2023
Publisher: Oxbow Books

This comprehensive study delves into the intricate realm of commemorating Classical Greek battles, exploring the significance of monuments and other mnemonic practices in shaping and preserving memories. Through a meticulous analysis of archaeological remains and ancient literary sources, it traces the evolution of battlefield, sanctuary, and city spaces over time. Moreover, it delves into the experiential dimension of commemorative spaces, employing theories of space, phenomenology, and social memory to understand how these spaces evoke and sustain memories.

Following a biographical approach, the commemoration of each battle is organized into distinct stages: initial commemoration, official monumentalization, memory curation, memory lapse, and reception. These stages, while distinct, often overlap and exhibit variations based on factors such as time, spatial context, and the involvement of different parties. Single commemorations can resonate differently with diverse audiences, highlighting the multifaceted nature of memory and its transmission across generations.

Within the stage of memory curation, a crucial process unfolds, leading to the subsequent lapse of memories. The final stage of commemoration for each battle commences with the rediscovery of ancient monuments, a testament to the enduring legacy of these battles. These monuments serve as physical reminders of the past, anchoring the memories of these battles in the present and future.

The research conducted in this study has yielded several significant conclusions. Firstly, while the commemoration of each battle can be categorized into distinct stages, these stages are not always rigidly delineated. There exists a degree of fluidity and adaptability in the types of commemorations that occur within each stage, influenced by factors such as historical context, geographical location, and the involvement of different stakeholders. Secondly, the processes within the stage of memory curation play a pivotal role in shaping the subsequent lapse of memories. The final stage of commemoration for each battle begins with the rediscovery of ancient monuments, a testament to the enduring power of these commemorations.

To illustrate the significance of these battles and their commemoration, three case studies are presented: Marathon, Leuktra, and Chaironeia. These battles span a significant period of Classical Greece, from Marathon in 490 BCE to Chaironeia in 338 BCE. Moreover, they involved diverse participants, providing a rich tapestry of perspectives from both the victorious and the defeated. Lastly, these battles left lasting impacts in the material and literary record, rendering their commemoration relevant not only in antiquity but also in the modern world.

In conclusion, this study offers a profound exploration of the commemoration of Classical Greek battles, shedding light on the vital role of monuments, mnemonic practices, and the experiential dimension of commemorative spaces in shaping and preserving memories. Through a biographical approach and a comprehensive analysis of archaeological remains and ancient literary sources, it provides valuable insights into the dynamic processes of memory creation, transmission, and preservation. The case studies of Marathon, Leuktra, and Chaironeia serve as poignant examples of the enduring legacy of these battles and their commemoration, highlighting the enduring power of history and the significance of preserving our shared heritage.

Weight: 638g
Dimension: 239 x 171 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789259353