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The 'Amyntion' of Pydna

Μελέτες - Articles

• Μπατζώκα, Αλεξάνδρα

The deification of Alexander is a crucial point in the development and establishment of hegemonic cult. The question under discussion is whether his deification constitutes the first example of attribution of divine honours to living monarchs or whether one may find previous examples of such honours. In that sense, this article examines the case of king Amyntas III (393-370/69 B.C.). Two ancient sources, a scholion on Demosthenes (1.4 la) and a passage in Adi us Aristides (38.480) refer to the existence of an “ιερόv/νεώς” at Pydna, dedicated to Amyntas by the inhabitants of Pydna. However, the date of its erection, the motives of attributing such an honour to Amyntas, as well as the heroic or divine nature of this honour have still to be verified. The examination o f the sources mentioned above, together with the numismatic and archaeological evidence of the region of Pydna, lead to the probable conclusion that the “Άμύντιον" of Pydna is to be dated between 381 and 357 B.C. and demonstrates an act of gratitude on behalf of the inhabitants of Pydna towards their benefaction by Amyntas. This act could be recognized as the re-establishment of their ancient polis. In this context, the possibility of the king’s receiving heroic honours ante mortem cannot be excluded, as Amyntas seems to have become equal with the traditional ‘hero-founders’ of the polis.

• History and Archaeology

• Ιστορία, Αρχαία

Πύδνα

Το άρθρο περιέχει ευχαριστίες προς τους καθηγητές του Τμήματος Ιστορίας - Αρχαιολογίας του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών κ. Καίσια Μπουραζέλη, κα Σοφία Ανεζίρη και κα Σελήνη Ψωμά για την ενθάρρυνση και τη συμβολή τους στην τελική διαμόρφωση του παρόντος άρθρου.