Epigrams on the Persian Wars

Abstract

This chapter explores the use of literary epigrams as a vehicle for promoting a victorious image of emperors and for spreading political ideologies through the use of traditional symbols of Greek supremacy and victory over the Persians. The chapter argues that Hellenistic epigrams recall the victories of Alexander the Great against the Persians in order to cast the same light on the Ptolemies, while in Agathias’ Cycle legendary episodes concerning the Battle of Marathon and its heroes construct a triumphant image of Justinian against the Sassanians and contribute to his representation as the ultimate heir of the celebrated Greek past.