EARLY HELLENISTIC ATHENS: LEADERSHIP AND DIPLOMACY

TL;DRAbstract

In my thesis I examine certain aspects of the political history of Athens in the early Hellenistic period, that is after the battle of Chaironeia in 338 B.C. and until the late 260s. For Athens this was a transitional period; she had to face a completely new political reality: she was no longer the great power of the fifth or even the fourth century B.C., Macedonia rose to power, then Alexander created a huge empire and his death triggered endless struggles for power among his Successors, in which Athens found herself involved. Independent foreign policy then on the part of Athens was impossible; on the other hand, diplomacy became more delicate and demanding than ever. I focus on the ways in which the Athenian leadership (the generals and the orators) adjusted to the circumstances. Firstly, I have examined the role of the generals in diplomacy in order to establish that they did assume increased responsibilities. Secondly, I have examined the role of the orators in the formation of re

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