In the Absence of Alexander (Lang Classical Studies) [Hardcover]

Christopher W. Blackwell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0820439878 | ISBN-13: 978-0820439877

When Alexander the Great's treasurer fled to Athens in 324 BC, three separate Macedonian embassies failed to secure his return. Blackwell's explanation of this event traces the history of Macedonian rule in Greece from 335 BC until the death of Alexander. This study probes political realities behind titles and treaties, and complex interactions among individuals, states, and institutions. In the Absence of Alexander describes a "Macedonian Hegemony" that held power without commanding authority, an empire that could not have hoped to survive the death of its king.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Blackwell offers a meticulous study of the Harpalus affair in order to analyze the limits of the Macedonians' ability to control Greece. He shows that in the continuing absence of Alexander in the East, those who claimed to speak for the king had increasing difficulty in exercising authority, in part because of their competition with one another. The book is an important answer both to historians who see a constitution in the Macedonian state and to those who think that the state was merely a projection of Alexander's 'power.' On Blackwell's showing, Athens in the Harpalus affair exposed both Macedonian authority and Macedonian power as fluid, subject to interpretation, and finally ineffective." -- Kent Rigsby, Professor of Classical Studies, Duke University

"This perceptive scholarly study reveals the hollowness of Macedonian authority in Greece caused by Alexander's prolonged absence in Asia. Christopher Blackwell expertly analyzes the sources to show that Athens in 324 BC could operate as an independent agent in international politics and that Macedonian dominance in Greece was very far from a sure thing at that date. This book makes a significant contribution to Greek history, not least because it points to the contingency of the coming Macedonian victory that would initiate the Hellenistic period." -- Thomas R. Martin, O'Connor Professor of Classics, The College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts

Product Details

• Hardcover: 185 pages
• Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing (December 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0820439878
• ISBN-13: 978-0820439877
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,138,495 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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