Forever Young

Traditionally, the belief has been that the Hellenistic kings began to shave their beards following the example of Alexander the Great. This paper proposes a new vision of this idea, given that explains the shaven face of Alexander through the youngness of the Macedonian kings. In our opinion, the s...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor: Molina Marín, Antonio Ignacio|||0000-0001-5237-503X
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2020
País:España
Institución:Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de Documents de la UAB
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ddd.uab.cat:235320
Acceso en línea:https://ddd.uab.cat/record/235320
https://dx.doi.org/urn:doi:10.5565/rev/karanos.49
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Argead dynasty
Hellenistic kings
Alexander the Great
Iconography
Power
Beard
Dinastía Argeada
Reyes helenísticos
Alejandro Magno
Iconografía
Poder
Barba
Descripción
Sumario:Traditionally, the belief has been that the Hellenistic kings began to shave their beards following the example of Alexander the Great. This paper proposes a new vision of this idea, given that explains the shaven face of Alexander through the youngness of the Macedonian kings. In our opinion, the sovereigns of Macedonia were presented many times by their fathers or regents like eternal teenagers in order to remain in power for as long as possible. Thus, the only way for any member of the Argead dynasty to achieve complete autonomy and to be fully free was to be seated on the throne. The same happen during the lifetime of popular generals (Parmenion) or advisers (Aratus). The royal portrait created by the Diadochoi was a symbol of power through which they could govern, never was an imitation of a real one. However, this royal portrait was inspired by Macedonian models that presented the Argead prince as inexpert and weak when they were unbearded.