Project Details
Projekt
Ruler representation and ruler cult of the Ptolemies in their possessions and areas of influence outside Egypt (323 to 30 B.C.)
Subject Area
Ancient History
Classical, Roman, Christian and Islamic Archaeology
Classical, Roman, Christian and Islamic Archaeology
Term
from 2017 to 2022
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 391580431
The last years have witnessed an increasing interest in Ptolemaic Egypt, owing in particular to the growing amount of published material, be it written or archaeological sources, which enable new perspectives on old questions. The topics ruler cult and dynastic representation have found considerable attention, particularly regarding the Egyptian heartland, whereas the Ptolemaic possessions outside of Egypt have yet not, especially not in a comprehensive perspective. Therefore it is the aim of this research project to analyse the written and archaeological sources regarding ruler cult and dynastic representation from the possessions outside of Egypt through a combination of archaeology and ancient history. We want to ask on the one hand how these sources were engaged as means of legitimation and protection of Ptolemaic rule by the Ptolemies themselves and on the other hand how they acted as signs of acceptance on part of the subjects of Ptolemaic rule. Furthermore we will carve out whether these subjects formulated an idea of the ideal ruler by themselves. The project is split up between the facilities of Leipzig and Halle that based on the division of labour analyse the written and the non written tradition.The objective of the project in Halle is to examine the visual and material sources regarding the dynastic representation of the Ptolemies in the possessions outside of Egypt as well as their perception regarding the ruler cult. These two key questions need to be answered: 1. What media were used by the function owners of the dynasty and the kings themselves in order to represent their authority in the areas outside the heartland? 2. How is this self representation of the Ptolemies reflected in the ruler cult that has not been instituted from official quarters?The objective of the project in Leipzig is to record the written evidence for ruler cult and the dynastic representation and to analyse it on the basis of the agenda formulated above. The following fields are to be investigated: 1. Terminology, 2. Actors, 3. Aitia and Prophasis, 4. Historical context.Aim of the combined efforts should be first to gather sources systematically and digitally. Second to create a comprehensive analysis of the ruler cult and the dynastic representation in the possessions outside of Egypt, to be supplemented by an annotated selection of relevant visual, material and textual sources.
DFG Programme
Research Grants
International Connection
Belgium, Canada, United Kingdom, USA
