The Alexandra of Lykophron

Alexandra

By: Lykophron

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Paperback | 3 November 2022

At a Glance

Paperback
256 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
19.68 x 13.08 x 0.89

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Traditionally ascribed to the early third-century BCE tragedian Lykophron, the Alexandra is a powerful Greek poem by an unknown author, probably written c. 190, when Rome had defeated Hannibal and the Carthaginians and was poised to humble the Seleukid king Antiochos III. The poem is an ingeniously constructed masterpiece, a generic mix with elements of tragedy, epic, and history.

Priam's beautiful daughter, the prophetic Kassandra, foresees her rape in Athena's temple by the hateful Greek warrior Ajax after Troy's fall, and warns of disastrous returns (nostoi) for all the Greek 'heroes'. But Troy will rise again as Rome, founded by Trojan refugees. Alexandra (another name for Kassandra), narrates these Mediterranean foundation myths, adopting a bitterly disillusioned female perspective, but culminating in prophecies of Roman rule over land and sea.

Industry Reviews

Simon Hornblower's translation offers an excellent introduction to, and guide through, Lycophron's "dark" poem ...This wonderful translation will bring Lycophron's poem to the wider audience it deserves. * Matthew Ward, Times Literary Supplement *
Hornblower's trim volume, locating Lycophron alongside Theocritus and Apollonius as 'Oxford World Classics', marks a new phase in the modern reception of the poem. It is to be wholeheartedly commended. * Alexander Sens, The Journal of Hellenic Studies *

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