The transformation of political power in the hellenistic period

<jats:p>Aim of the article. The aim of this article is to examine the process of transformation of political power during the Hellenistic period and to identify the main mechanisms underlying the transition from the traditional polis model of governance to centralised monarchical forms of statehood. Particular attention is paid to the emergence of Hellenistic monarchies, the role of military power, court culture, and the religious and ideological justification of the ruler’s authority. Research methodology. The methodological framework is based on the principles of historicism, systematicity and objectivity, as well as general scientific and specific historical methods. Historical-comparative, historical-genetic, structural-functional and institutional methods were applied, enabling the evolution of political institutions, mechanisms of legitimisation of power and the relationships between monarchies and Greek city-states to be traced. The analysis is based on material relating to the Ptolemaic, Seleucid and Antigonid states. Scientific originality. The scientific originality lies in a comprehensive examination of the transformation of political power during the Hellenistic period as a multi-factorial process in which military-political, administrative, religious and cultural mechanisms interacted with one another. The role of standing armies and professional mercenary forces in consolidating the power of the Diadochi and Epigoni has been clarified, as has the significance of the cult of the king and court culture in shaping a new model of political identity. It has been demonstrated that the preservation of the formal autonomy of the city-states was combined with their gradual integration into monarchical administrative structures. Conclusions. The present study provides grounds for asserting that the transformation of political power during the Hellenistic period was a complex and multidimensional process that encompassed the political, military, administrative, social and religious spheres. The collapse of Alexander the Great’s empire following his death in 323 BC created the conditions for the formation of a new system of political relations. On the other hand, this process was neither instantaneous nor uniform across all regions: the coexistence of city-state institutions became one of the defining features of the Hellenistic order. The emergence of the Ptolemaic, Seleucid and Antigonid states marked the establishment of a new model of power, at the centre of which stood the monarch as the supreme military, administrative and political leader. His authority was based not only on the dynastic principle, but also on personal prestige, military victories, control over territory and the ability to ensure the stability of the state. It was for this reason that military power became one of the key instruments for legitimising and maintaining monarchical authority. Standing armies and professional mercenary forces ensured not only external security but also control over the internal political sphere, strengthening the rulers’ positions in their relations with local elites and city-states. Keywords: Hellenism, political power, monarchy, polis, Alexander the Great, Seleucids, Ptolemies, Antigonids, cult of the king, state administration.</jats:p>