The Antigonids and the Ruler Cult. Global and Local Perspectives?

Abstract

Demetrius Poliorketes is considered by modern scholars the true founder of ruler cult. In particular the Athenians attributed him several divine honors between 307 and 290 BC. The ancient authors in general consider these honors in a negative perspective, while offering words of appreciation about an ideal sovereignty intended as a glorious form of servitude and embodied in Antigonus Gonatas, Demetrius Poliorketes’ son and heir. An analysis of the epigraphic evidences referring to this king leads to the conclusion that Antigonus Gonatas did not officially encourage the worship towards himself.

Keywords

• antigonids, antigonus gonatas, demetrius poliorketes, hellenism, ruler cult, antigonidi, antigono gonata, culto del sovrano, demetrio poliorcete, ellenismo