Welcome to AHB, a Green Open Access Journal.

AHB promotes scholarly discussion in Ancient Mediterranean studies by publishing articles and notes on the history and culture of the ancient world from the Bronze Age to Late Antiquity. Submissions in English,  French, German, Italian, and Spanish are welcome. Early career academics and scholars from under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

AHB publishes Digital content only and appears twice yearly (June and December) in double issues (1-2 and 3-4). Please see our Subscriptions page for information on rates and payment.

Questions or concerns may be directed to the Senior Editor: Timothy Howe: howe@stolaf.edu

 

Vol 37.3-4 is now available

Anna Accettola, IG XII Suppl. 307: Proxenia and Second-Century Nabataea

 

Keywords: Nabataea; Hellenistic Aegean; proxenos; Tenos

Abstract: Inter-state cooperation was a staple of Mediterranean life in the second century BC. However, second-century Nabataea has been seen as underdeveloped in such relationships and relegated to a peripheral sphere of influence. The Tenean inscription IG XII Suppl. 307 belies this small role and rather integrates Nabataea into the institutional norms of the Hellenistic Aegean. A Nabataean, Salamenes, was awarded a highly coveted proxenos position by the Tenean council and demos, granting him access to rights normally reserved for citizens. In addition, this honor bridged the cultural and physical divide between the two states, guaranteeing a facilitation of social and economic movement. Such a public honor may be read as additional evidence for early Nabataean state formation and its growing influence in the Aegean. 

 

Tomasz Zieliński, Demetrius Poliorcetes’ nickname and the origins of the hostile tradition concerning his besieging skills.

 

Keywords: Demetrius Poliorcetes, Diodorus Siculus, Poseidon, Plutarch, Rhodes, nicknames

Abstract: The article examines Demetrius Poliorcetes’ sobriquet and the origins of the hostile tradition towards this king and his besieging skills. The prevailing opinion is that Demetrius’ nickname derived from his unsuccessful siege of Rhodes (305/304 BC) and was applied to him in derision. Recently, however, we have observed a rise in interest in his military undertakings, especially sieges he laid. A re-examination of the ancient sources demonstrates that king’s sobriquet, emphasizing his poliorcetic talents, was well-deserved. This paper attempts to provide further arguments to support this claim. Moreover, they also shed some light on innovative aspects of Demetrius’ royal self-fashioning, one of the key elements of which were his talent for designing siege engines and engineering endeavors. Such conclusion might produce an essential change in our interpretations of the origins of the hostile tradition against the king.

 

Alessandra Coppola, The Return and “Purification” of Alcibiades

 

Keywords: Alcibiades, Return, Plynteria, Purification, Tragic models

Abstract: This paper describes some aspects of Alcibiades’ return to Athens in 407 B.C., focusing on some neglected aspects an especially on the coincidence between his repatriation and the first day of the Plynteria, which was considered an ominous day because of the goddess Athena being veiled and purified in the sea. The question arises whether this happened by chance or in a well-orchestrated plan which aimed at presenting an impure but repented Alcibiades searching for “purification” in connection with the goddess. Some similarities with Euripide’s Iphigeneia in Tauris are also taken into account.

 

Federico Santangelo, Caesarism in Ancient Rome?

Keywords: Caesarism; Julius Caesar; Augustus; Late Roman Republic; Roman Principate; Roman political culture; history of classical scholarship.

Abstract: This paper offers a reconsideration of the concept of ‘Caesarism’, charts its presence and development in the modern historiography on ancient Rome, and argues for its validity to the understanding of the history of the late Roman Republic and the early Principate.