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

This book compares the roles of local elites and populations in the Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires, highlighting similarities and differences in ruling strategies. It examines communication, settlement policies, and collaboration with and resistance of local elites.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires, often studied in isolation or as part of broader examinations of the Hellenistic world, are the subject of thorough exploration in this comprehensive book. It offers a systematic comparison of the roles played by local elites and local populations in the construction, negotiation, and adaptation of political, economic, military, and ideological power within these states. Recognizing the two empires as multiethnic entities, the book finds sufficient similarities to make valid comparisons, while also highlighting and elucidating the distinctive differences between them. Special attention is given to regions that underwent successive incorporation into the Ptolemaic and Seleucid states, providing a broader context for understanding the ruling strategies of both empires.

The book delves into various aspects, including forms of communication through coins, inscriptions, and visual culture; settlement policies and the dynamics between local and immigrant populations; and the various forms of collaboration and resistance exhibited by local elites against immigrant populations and government institutions. By examining these interconnected themes, the book sheds light on the complex interplay of power, identity, and cultural dynamics within the Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires, contributing to a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in ancient history.

ISBN-13: 9781108749527