The Heroic Rulers of Archaic and Classical Greece

Nonfiction, History, Ancient History, Greece, Art & Architecture, Art History
Cover of the book The Heroic Rulers of Archaic and Classical Greece by Lynette Mitchell, Bloomsbury Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Lynette Mitchell ISBN: 9781472513465
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Publication: August 1, 2013
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic Language: English
Author: Lynette Mitchell
ISBN: 9781472513465
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication: August 1, 2013
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic
Language: English

With an in-depth exploration of rule by a single man and how this was seen as heroic activity, the title challenges orthodox views of ruling in the ancient world and breaks down traditional ideas about the relationship between so-called hereditary rule and tyranny. It looks at how a common heroic ideology among rulers was based upon excellence, or arete, and also surveys dynastic ruling, where rule was in some sense shared within the family or clan. Heroic Rulers examines reasons why both personal and clan-based rule was particularly unstable and its core tension with the competitive nature of Greek society, so that the question of who had the most arete was an issue of debate both from within the ruling family and from other heroic aspirants.

Probing into ancient perspectives on the legitimacy and legality of rule, the title also explores the relationship between ruling and law. Law, personified as 'king' (nomos basileus), came to be seen as the ultimate source of sovereignty especially as expressed through the constitutional machinery of the city, and became an important balance and constraint for personal rule.

Finally, Heroic Rulers demonstrates that monarchy, which is generally thought to have disappeared before the end of the archaic period, remained a valid political option from the Early Iron Age through to the Hellenistic period.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

With an in-depth exploration of rule by a single man and how this was seen as heroic activity, the title challenges orthodox views of ruling in the ancient world and breaks down traditional ideas about the relationship between so-called hereditary rule and tyranny. It looks at how a common heroic ideology among rulers was based upon excellence, or arete, and also surveys dynastic ruling, where rule was in some sense shared within the family or clan. Heroic Rulers examines reasons why both personal and clan-based rule was particularly unstable and its core tension with the competitive nature of Greek society, so that the question of who had the most arete was an issue of debate both from within the ruling family and from other heroic aspirants.

Probing into ancient perspectives on the legitimacy and legality of rule, the title also explores the relationship between ruling and law. Law, personified as 'king' (nomos basileus), came to be seen as the ultimate source of sovereignty especially as expressed through the constitutional machinery of the city, and became an important balance and constraint for personal rule.

Finally, Heroic Rulers demonstrates that monarchy, which is generally thought to have disappeared before the end of the archaic period, remained a valid political option from the Early Iron Age through to the Hellenistic period.

More books from Bloomsbury Publishing

Cover of the book The Ellie McDoodle Diaries: New Kid in School by Lynette Mitchell
Cover of the book 101 Youth Football Drills by Lynette Mitchell
Cover of the book State, Economy and the Great Divergence by Lynette Mitchell
Cover of the book John le Carré and the Cold War by Lynette Mitchell
Cover of the book Stop-motion Animation by Lynette Mitchell
Cover of the book Critical Craft by Lynette Mitchell
Cover of the book Letters from the Front by Lynette Mitchell
Cover of the book Vienna Lectures on Legal Philosophy, Volume 1 by Lynette Mitchell
Cover of the book The Late-Career Novelist by Lynette Mitchell
Cover of the book Land of the Free by Lynette Mitchell
Cover of the book The Weakest Link by Lynette Mitchell
Cover of the book Basics Photography 02: Lighting by Lynette Mitchell
Cover of the book The Pilum by Lynette Mitchell
Cover of the book A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Lynette Mitchell
Cover of the book British Microcars 1947–2002 by Lynette Mitchell
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy