Babylon in Greek Literature

This book delves into the captivating allure of Babylon within the Greek imaginaire, serving as a cultural and literary crossroads during the imperial period. Spanning from the fifth century BCE to the third/fourth century CE, the study analyzes an array of sources, including historiographies, biographies, magico-medical texts, comic dialogues, and the ancient novel. Babylon is examined through different lenses, revealing the Greeks' diverse perceptions of this legendary city. The Greeks revered Babylon as a symbol of cultural hybridity, where diverse traditions and knowledge intermingled. The city's allure also lay in its capacity to evoke both historical and scientific curiosity, while at the same time sparking the magical and fictional imagination. Within the literary context, Babylon emerged as a space of esoteric wisdom, holding the secrets of ancient knowledge that captured the minds of the learned.