Bestial Rivalry: Animal Propaganda in the Hellenistic Kingdoms

Abstract

In this article the use of animals in Hellenistic politics is discussed: in parades, as gifts, and animal images functioning as symbols. The point of departure is the Pompe of Ptolemy Philadelphus, for which an alternative to the previously argued date is proposed. Ptolemaic propaganda is further compared with the way other Hellenistic monarchs used animals.