ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses tensions embodied in cultural discourses and representations of violence, including but not limited to warfare, in the Hellenistic world. Violence had long been central to the experience of Greek cities and to their civic discourses. The book focuses on themes and potential new research questions arising from the individual studies. It describes key features of Hellenistic life which relate to the new experiences of violence. The book explores studies of Hellenistic violence, albeit briefly, within wider discussions especially from the domains of narrative and performance theory. It further discusses studies of violence and affectivity, mimesis and trauma, hoping to strengthen foundations for more detailed conversations between ancient historians and modern cultural theorists. The contributors thus probe cultural discourses, performances and institutions to investigate the cultural mechanisms that perpetuated violence, or sought to explain, control or justify it in the Hellenistic period.
