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1

Alexander III’s Empire: Macedonian, Achaemenid or Oecumenic Greek?

100%

Taietti G. D. M.

Studia Hercynia

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2021

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vol. 25

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issue 1

82-104

2

Terra multiplex et varia natura. On the settlement patterns of Bactria in the Hellenistic Period

100%

Havlík J.

Studia Hercynia

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2021

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vol. 25

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issue 2

9-41

EN

The proposed study aims to investigate the character of settlement transformation in ancient Bactria (upper Amu Darya basin) during the period following the conquest of Alexander the Great. This transformation is addressed by the comparison of settlement development in the two regions of Bactria, its north -western part in present -day Uzbekistan and the so -called Eastern Bactria in present -day Afghanistan, based on archaeological evidence. Attention is devoted mainly to the quantitative analysis of settlement sites attributed by previous researchers to the Achaemenid and Hellenistic periods on the one hand, and the evaluation of settlement hierarchy and spatial distribution changes on the other. The conducted analysis illustrates a massive settlement abandonment posterior to the fall of the Persian Empire. However, the results of the study suggest that the Hellenistic eastern Bactria, commonly associated with a high level of involvement of the new elites coming from outside, also exhibited many traits of structural continuity with the preceding period represented by a general settlement dispersal and reutilization of both, previous fortified centres and irrigation networks. On the other hand, interest in fortification and the settling of new areas at higher altitudes are clearly characteristic of the Hellenistic Bactria as a whole.

3

Early Iranian Riders and Cavarly

100%

Farrokh K., Maksymiuk K., Skupniewicz P.

Historia i Świat

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2023

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vol. 12

153-166

EN

The expansion of the Iranian peoples in first centuries of the 1st millennium BCE coincides with the creation and further development of the cavalry warfare in western Eurasia, as well as with the creation of the pastoral nomadic life-style which dominated the Great Steppe for millennia to come. The mounted warriors replaced the light chariots which dominated the Bronze Age battlefields which required perfect horsemanship however application of the recurved, double reflex. composite bow for mounted combat seemed another important factor in development of the cavalry force. Mounted archery which doubled the fire power of the mobile troops, earlier dominated by the chariots triggered the evolution of the various forms of cavalry, both as a response to a threat of the horse archers and independent forces used by the sedentary societies. Iranian contribution in spreading (and most likely invention) of the new technology is undeniable. Although horse riding and recurved composite bows were known earlier they could not overcome the power of the chariot force separately. Only the combination of the factors allowed fielding large and efficient cavalry troops as was practiced by the Scythians and became the success factor for the Achaemenid Empire. Survival of the chariots as late as the Seleucid times was possible because of changing their tactical function from the highly mobile shooting platform to heavy, at least partially, armored terror and shock weapon.

4

„Jam jest Dariusz, Wielki Król, Król Królów, Achemenida”. Legitymizacja władzy w okresie Achemenidów

67%

Szustakiewicz P.

Studia Orientalne

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2022

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issue 1(21)

73-84

RU

Предмет статьи – легитимация власти ахеменидских царей, показанная на основе сохранившихся надписей той эпохи. Эти надписи неоднократно подвергались лингвистическому и культурологическому анализу. По словам автора этого текста, они также могут быть полезны для политологии. Для целей данной статьи под легитимацией понимаются процессы, ведущие к легитимности, то есть признанию политической системы надлежащей и действительной. Автор выделяет ряд мотивов, использованных Ахеменидами для этой цели. Это: божественное происхождение власти, отсылки к традициям, особые атрибуты правителя, а также обесценивание политических противников. Среди ахеменидских надписей почти всегда есть призыв к божеству Ахурамде. Этот Бог показан как создатель материального мира, человечества, а также как божественный законодатель. Этот элемент чрезвычайно важен в контексте легитимности власти, так как предполагает происхождение королевской власти от высшей, божественной власти. Божество направляет персидских правителей, поддерживает их в битвах и гарантирует их правление. Божественное происхождение делает власть царя священным даром. Таким образом, правление и развитие империи стало исполнением Божьего плана. Кроме того, Ахурамазда – создатель космического ордена – аша. Таким образом, союзный с ним правитель имеет мандат на установление порядка на земле. Наряду с религиозной санкцией на самозаконность власти идет демонизация противников Ахеменидов. По мнению Макса Вебера, одним из видов легитимации власти является «традиционное правило», основанное на обращении к вечным порядкам. Этот тип легитимации очень очевиден в древнеперсидских надписях. В дополнение к религиозным и традиционным санкциям правители также меньше использовали другие меры, чтобы показать, что они достойны престола. Король Дарий I неоднократно указывал на свои боевые навыки и честность. В других надписях можно найти отсылки к персидским верованиям, включая ненависть ко ложи, описанную Геродотом.

EN

The article’s subject is the legitimation of the power of the Achaemenid kings, shown on the basis of preserved inscriptions from the era. These inscriptions have been repeatedly analysed in terms of linguistic and cultural studies. According to the author, they can also be helpful for the political science. For the purposes of this paper, legitimation is understood as processes leading to legitimacy, i.e., recognising a political system as proper and valid. The author distinguishes motifs used by the Achaemenids for this purpose. These are: the divine origin of power, references to tradition, the special attributes of the ruler, and the depreciation of political opponents. Among the Achaemenid inscriptions, there is almost always an invocation to the deity – Ahuramazda. This God is shown as the divine legislator and the creator of the material world and mankind. This element is extremely important in the context of the legitimacy of power, as it suggests the origin of royal power from the supreme, divine authority. The deity guides the Persian rulers, supports them in their battles and guarantees their reign. Divine origin makes the power held by the king a sacred gift. The reign and development of the empire thus become the fulfilment of God’s plan. Additionally, Ahuramazda is the creator of the cosmic order arta. Therefore, the ruler allied with him has the mandate to establish order on Earth. Along with the religious sanction of self-legitimisation of power, comes the demonisation of Achaemenid opponents. According to Max Weber, one of the types of legitimising power is “traditional rule” based on referring to the eternal orders. This type of legitimation is discernible in Old Persian inscriptions. In addition to religious and traditional sanction, rulers also made use of other measures to show that they were worthy of the throne. King Darius I has repeatedly indicated his fighting skills and integrity. In other inscriptions, one can find references to Persian beliefs, including the hatred of lies, described by Herodotus.

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2 Studia Hercynia

1 Historia i Świat

1 Studia Orientalne

1 Farrokh K.

1 Havlík J.

1 Maksymiuk K.

1 Skupniewicz P.

1 Szustakiewicz P.

1 Taietti G. D. M.

1 2023

1 2022

2 2021

Alexander III’s Empire: Macedonian, Achaemenid or Oecumenic Greek?

Terra multiplex et varia natura. On the settlement patterns of Bactria in the Hellenistic Period

Early Iranian Riders and Cavarly

„Jam jest Dariusz, Wielki Król, Król Królów, Achemenida”. Legitymizacja władzy w okresie Achemenidów