Anthony Wright
Newcastle University, School of Historical Studies, Graduate Student
- Ancient History graduate (BA 2009, MA 2011) from Newcastle University, working as a freelance proofreader and copy-editor following over 4 years in the academic publishing industry. Research interests include ancient military history, the Hellenistic period, the Roman Republic, and Renaissance Italy.edit
The approaches of court historians have only recently been applied to courts in antiquity. This MA dissertation applies these approaches to the ancient world to examine the structure of power from a new angle, taking the Achaemenid... more
The approaches of court historians have only recently been applied to courts in antiquity. This MA dissertation applies these approaches to the ancient world to examine the structure of power from a new angle, taking the Achaemenid hazarapatiš and the Macedonian chiliarch as case studies. These offices are of particular importance as they allow for a multifaceted study in terms of a chronological outline (from Cambyses II to c.317 BC) and geographical stages, as well as looking at the socio-cultural interaction between a monarch and his courtiers.
Research Interests:
To what extent do the art and architecture of Achaemenid provincial palaces represent the process of 'Persianisation'? Following on from Margaret Cool Root's 1979 study, this paper considers whether the rich iconography of Persepolis was... more
To what extent do the art and architecture of Achaemenid provincial palaces represent the process of 'Persianisation'? Following on from Margaret Cool Root's 1979 study, this paper considers whether the rich iconography of Persepolis was replicated outside of the Persian heartland. The issue of how provinces were governed and the impact this may have had on local architecture will also be addressed, together with the concept of 'Persianisation' itself.
Research Interests:
After defeating Darius III at Gaugamela in 331, Alexander took Babylon and Susa before entering Persepolis. According to the literary sources, Alexander burned the palace complex before resuming his pursuit of Darius. The reasoning behind... more
After defeating Darius III at Gaugamela in 331, Alexander took Babylon and Susa before entering Persepolis. According to the literary sources, Alexander burned the palace complex before resuming his pursuit of Darius. The reasoning behind this act of vandalism is difficult to establish since the sources do not paint a clear picture of the event; consequently, modern scholars have been unable to determine the cause of the fire. Since there is ambiguity within the literary evidence, this paper also draws on the archaeological evidence, and also analyses the merits and weaknesses of the explanations for the conflagration within modern scholarship.
Research Interests:
Using epigraphic sources, this paper provides an analysis of how the city of Colophon's relationship with Rome developed over the course of two and a half centuries from their arrival as the Attalids' successors in Asia Minor until the... more
Using epigraphic sources, this paper provides an analysis of how the city of Colophon's relationship with Rome developed over the course of two and a half centuries from their arrival as the Attalids' successors in Asia Minor until the end of Hadrian's reign.
Research Interests:
This paper expands on Spawforth's publication on Alexander's court in Asia (2007) and focuses on his royal tent. After analysing the ancient sources in detail, its description within the sources and the extent to which it can be seen to... more
This paper expands on Spawforth's publication on Alexander's court in Asia (2007) and focuses on his royal tent. After analysing the ancient sources in detail, its description within the sources and the extent to which it can be seen to be orientalised will be considered, as will the tent's functions and their representation.