Alexander's Image in the Propaganda of the Diadochoi

Abstract

The untimely death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC resulted in a turbulent political situation; he left behind no obvious heir and immediately his leading officers became involved in a great struggle to control his vast empire. These men came to be known as the Diadochoi, or the Successors of Alexander. The years that followed Alexander’s death saw the rise to power of many of these men, some of whom were able to establish themselves in prominent positions of authority, and went on to create individual empires forged from Alexander’s conquered territories. During this time many methods of propaganda were employed, first in support of the undivided empire, run on behalf of Alexander’s half-brother and posthumous son, and later to promote the ambitions of the Diadochoi, who found themselves with the opportunity to aim for royal power and kingship. This thesis aims to look at the different propaganda methods employed by the Diadochoi after the death of Alexander, focusing in particular on how the image of Alexander himself was used. Evidence for the propaganda of the Successors can be found in the form of the literary, iconographic and numismatic material. While their propaganda was not restricted to one method alone, it is clear that it was Alexander’s image which proved to be the most advantageous for the Successors when it came to winning the loyalty and respect of their subjects, and gaining support for their cause.