“The strong woman of Egypt and Macedon: Discovering the true power of Arsinoë.”
In “Arsinoë of Egypt and Macedon” Elizabeth Carney, shows how much influence Arsinoë possessed in a time where women were seen as inferior compared to their male counter parts. In her book, it is evident that Arsinoë is not an ordinary woman, she led a dramatic whirlwind of a life, and she was married to three dissimilar kings, witnessed two of her own son’s die; and fled two different kingdoms. In Carney’s book, she shows that royal wives provided powerful positions, helped secure the cyclical role of the dynasties and continuously acted as their son’s advocates for possible succession (3). In this book, women play immense roles in their cities, some played roles in the religion of their empire, most likely as priestesses and were usually important players in political alliances (3). Arsinoë is shown wielding power most queens probably never had; she had a following and most of all wealth; Carney wrote “…She paid for the largest round building in the Greek world, the rotunda, as an offering to the Great Gods of Samothrace.” (38) Carney is showing us just …show more content…
With this marriage, Arsinoë was granted the title of “King of upper and lower Egypt”, a title normally reserved for men. Due to her power, an assertion was added in the second dynasty to allow women to rule in Egypt (85). Arsinoë wasn’t simply strong in the royal and political court, this woman was incredible even in competition. Arsinoë won three equestrian victories in Olympia within a year, by winning, her horses even began to function as publications of her wealth, power and her dynasty (89). Arsinoë was such a strong and important woman that even after her death she remained a strong presence as long as her dynasty continued in Egypt (128). “…Priestly families continued to name their daughters “Arsinoë” …through the 1st century BCE”
In “Arsinoë of Egypt and Macedon” Elizabeth Carney, shows how much influence Arsinoë possessed in a time where women were seen as inferior compared to their male counter parts. In her book, it is evident that Arsinoë is not an ordinary woman, she led a dramatic whirlwind of a life, and she was married to three dissimilar kings, witnessed two of her own son’s die; and fled two different kingdoms. In Carney’s book, she shows that royal wives provided powerful positions, helped secure the cyclical role of the dynasties and continuously acted as their son’s advocates for possible succession (3). In this book, women play immense roles in their cities, some played roles in the religion of their empire, most likely as priestesses and were usually important players in political alliances (3). Arsinoë is shown wielding power most queens probably never had; she had a following and most of all wealth; Carney wrote “…She paid for the largest round building in the Greek world, the rotunda, as an offering to the Great Gods of Samothrace.” (38) Carney is showing us just …show more content…
With this marriage, Arsinoë was granted the title of “King of upper and lower Egypt”, a title normally reserved for men. Due to her power, an assertion was added in the second dynasty to allow women to rule in Egypt (85). Arsinoë wasn’t simply strong in the royal and political court, this woman was incredible even in competition. Arsinoë won three equestrian victories in Olympia within a year, by winning, her horses even began to function as publications of her wealth, power and her dynasty (89). Arsinoë was such a strong and important woman that even after her death she remained a strong presence as long as her dynasty continued in Egypt (128). “…Priestly families continued to name their daughters “Arsinoë” …through the 1st century BCE”