The age of the successors and the creation of the Hellenistic kingdoms (323-276 B.C.)

After conquering one of the biggest empires the world has ever seen, Alexander the Great died prematurely in 323 B.C., without leaving a suitable heir to the throne. During the next decades his generals, thenceforth known as the Diadochoi; or Successors, unremittingly fought over the king's inheritance. The balance of power which ultimately resulted from their struggle would determine the course of events in the eastern Mediterranean for centuries to come. Despite its historical importance many aspects of the age of the Successors remain underexplored. Written by leading international specialists, the 24 contributions to this book help in remedying that situation by addressing new issues or shedding fresh light on old questions. They not only explore the written and material evidence for the epoch, the Successors' armies and military campaigns, their political ambitions and relationships with Greek cities, but they also address several social, economic, religious, numismatic, art-historical and urbanistic issues. They will significantly enhance our knowledge of the creation of the Hellenistic kingdoms as well as on the then prevailing dynastic ideas and practices.