Celebrity, Fame, and Infamy in the Hellenistic World

“Celebrity, Fame, and Infamy in the Hellenistic World offers a new and unparalleled contribution to Hellenistic studies: a fascinating exposé of multimedia self-promotion from Alexander the Great to Antony’s Cleopatra. This interdisciplinary collection also demonstrates that the lives of the rich and famous, and oftentimes infamous, were as interesting to ancient audiences around a Mediterranean basin linked by efficient communication and international travel as they are to moderns tuned in to contemporary social media.” James J. Clauss, Department of Classics, University of Washington

“The scholarship is uniformly sound and the essays reflect the latest scholarship on their respective topics. The bibliographies are extensive and comprehensive.” Glenn Bugh, Department of History, Virginia Tech

“If celebrities are mirrors of society, we are in terrible shape. This volume suggests, however, that our misery has deep historical roots. Tracing the irrevocably powerful role fame and infamy assumed in the Hellenistic world, the studies assembled in this book reveal how ancient rulers immersed themselves in the quest for renown and reputation. Along the way, Hellenistic society produced some of the finest tabloid kings and queens of all times. Knowledgeable and entertaining, Riemer A. Faber’s collection subtly reminds readers of the long cultural legacy at play each time they hit the ‘follow’ button.” Hans Beck, Department of Ancient History, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster