Redefinitions of Power Through Narrative: Aratus, Phylarchus, Polybius, and Plutarch

Abstract

This article considers the differing presentations of the third century BC Achaean leader, Aratus of Sicyon, in his own Memoirs, Phylarchus’ Histories, Polybius’ Histories, and Plutarch’s Aratus, Cleomenes, and Philopoemen. It explores how each author and text defined and redefined Aratus’ leadership and competed with each other through their individual purposes, styles, and textual choices to control the historical perception and memory of this leader. It also reflects on how the historical persona of Aratus gradually shifted through these literary reconfigurations, alongside the more practical establishment of Aratus’ cult at Sicyon, into a symbol of heroism, brilliant leadership, and pride for the Achaean League and Peloponnese in the centuries after his death. [...]