2009/11/17 by J. M. Bigwood · 2 citations
Arts and Humanities · Social Sciences · #Ancient Near East History #Classical Antiquity Studies #Eurasian Exchange Networks
paper · doi:10.1524/klio.2009.0015
openalex publication_date 2009/11/17 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
Abstract Greek and Roman authors often state that it was allowable for Persians to marry mothers, daughters and other very close relatives, claims that many modern scholars accept as valid for the Achaemenid, as well as for later years. This article re-examines the ancient sources for such marriages in the Achaemenid era, both the general statements and the tales of specific unions, and argues that the evidence for marital alliances between parent and child, and those between full siblings, is exceedingly weak. It thus lends support to the views expressed by Brosius in her brief discussion of the issue, views which others have ignored or even rejected.