Open AccessTHE PROSOPOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS OF MITHRIDATES VI EUPATOR’S INNER CIRCLE (BASED ON MATERIALS OF THE MONUMENT OF MITHRIDATES, DELOS)
Author(s) -
Alexander Soroka
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
vìsnik - kiïvsʹkij nacìonalʹnij unìversitet ìmenì tarasa ševčenka. ìstorìâ
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1728-2640
DOI - 10.17721/1728-2640.2018.136.1.14
Subject(s) - portrait , sculpture , narrative , historicism , period (music) , prosopography , politics , ancient history , art , history , archaeology , classics , art history , literature , law , political science , aesthetics
The article is devoted to the analysis of Pontic king Mithridates VI Eupator’s closest associates in the period of preparation for confrontation with Rome and is based on materials of the Monument of Mithridates in the sanctuary of the Samothracian Gods which was constructed in 101-102 B.C. on the island of Delos. The sculptural portraits of 12 persons and a king’s sculpture are represented at the Monument of Mithridates. However, we are able to make precise investigation of only 8 portraits and inscriptions because of destruction the other ones. At the article it is depicted the reasons of the Monument’s construction, which had based in dissemination of Pontic kingdom’s political and cultural influence in the Aegean Sea and establishment of allied connections and commemoration of the king’s power. An internal characteristics of the Monument and the history of its investigation by French School at Athens and by the modern scientists are determined. The article represents information upon narrative ancient sources, archaeological and epigraphical sources. The content of inscriptions and importance of 8 persons (childhood friends and soldiers Gaius, Dorilaus Philetaerus, Diophantus, the kings Ariarathes VII, Antiochus VIII and Mithridates ІІ, fiduciaries Asklepiodorus and Papius), whose portraits were set up in the Monument of Mithridates, in private life, domestic policy and military campaign of Mithridates VI against Roman Republic are analysed. The methodological base includes approaches of comparison, analysis, synthesis and principles of historicism, sequence, complexity.