Encomium of Ptolemy Philadelphus

Theocritus’ Encomium of Ptolemy Philadelphus offers a remarkable literary portrait of Ptolemaic kingship at the height of third-century BCE Alexandria. Written in praise of Ptolemy II Philadelphus, the poem illuminates the language through which royal power, dynasty, divinity and cultural authority were represented in the early Hellenistic world.

Richard Hunter provides the Greek text with translation and detailed scholarly commentary, placing the poem within its literary, political and historical contexts. Particular attention is given to Theocritus’ engagement with earlier Greek poetry and to the distinctive ideology of the Ptolemaic court. This is a specialist edition for readers studying Hellenistic literature, Ptolemaic Egypt and the relationship between poetry and royal power.