The orientalist fallacy: Greek-Persian enmity in ancient Athens

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This project aims to investigate classical Greek depictions of Persians and their mythological cognates across the 200 years of the Persian Empire. The mid-sixth century BC Persian conquest of West Asia introduced a dangerous neighbour to the Aegean. The historical record focuses on enmity between Athenians and Persians, especially after the Persians sacked Athens in 480-79. The unofficial record, however, tells a different story. Representations in Greek vase-painting exhibit a range of psychological responses beyond hostility, including accommodation and curiosity. The project will yield insight into changes in private thought as well as public representation and undercut the dominant paradigm that presumes enmity is the basic form of cultural exchange.