Polygamy, Prostitutes and Death The Hellenistic Dynasties

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. The book also includes a full exploration of the role of courtesans in the political and sexual intrigues of the hellenistic courts.