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Agamemnon 437: Chrysamoibos Ares, Athens and Empire*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 January 2010

Geoffrey Bakewell
Geoffrey Bakewell
Affiliation:
Creighton University
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Abstract:

The chorus' depiction of Ares as a ‘gold-changer of bodies’ and trader in precious metals underscores the increased intersection of finances and war in fifth-century Athens. The metaphor's details point to three contemporary developments (in addition to the patrios nomos allusion noted by Fraenkel): the increased conscription of citizens, the institution of pay for military service, and the payment of financial support for war orphans. And as leader of the Delian League, Athens itself resembled the war-god, establishing equivalents between men and money, and profiting from its acceptance of tribute payments in a variety of currencies. Taken together, the metaphor's contemporary dimensions probably had an unsettling effect on the Athenian audience.

Type
Shorter Contributions
Information
The Journal of Hellenic Studies , Volume 127 , November 2007 , pp. 123 - 132
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies 2007

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