Representations of Semiramis from Antiquity to the Medieval Period Victoria Eileen Worrall Bachelor of Arts (Hons
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Representations of Semiramis from Antiquity to the Medieval Period Victoria Eileen Worrall Bachelor of Arts (Hons. I) A thesis submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy at The University of Queensland in 2019 School of Historical & Philosophical Inquiry Abstract The traditions surrounding Semiramis, the Babylonian Queen, are as rich as they are diverse. At different times and places, differing social, economic, political, and religious circumstances have combined to create a variety of versions of Semiramis to suit numerous agendas. Therefore, we do not see one singular canonical tradition on the Queen but a multifaceted version in which her story is transmitted, refracted, and distorted by numerous hands. Running through this multiplicity of images are continual concern about Semiramis’ identity as ruler and her position as an Oriental queen. Images of Semiramis are highly conditioned by discourses relating to the East and normative expectations about gender. This thesis identifies three main themes in Semiramis’ tradition: sexual excess, ability at monumental construction, and success in military exploits. Each chapter assesses the main literary trends supplemented with a case study. The first chapter on sexual excess establishes that there is a long tradition of the Western imaginary associating the Oriental East as sexually promiscuous. This manifests in the sexualized image of Semiramis apparent in our sources, particularly with later charges of incest examined in the case study. Chapter Two, on monumental construction, demonstrates that strong Orientalist clichés and literary tropes are entrenched in the traditions of the Queen and are further reinforced by the tomb story. In contrast, the military representations of Semiramis, examined in Chapter Three, vary greatly. When mentioned in relation to Alexander the Great she is often a triumphant expansionist, whilst other sources use this representation as evidence of her despotism which is exacerbated by Late Antique sources as bloodthirstiness. However, in the Medieval sources these ideologies become characteristic of masculine strength and good sovereignty, evident in the revolt story. These receptions of Semiramis not only reflect the changes in the debates on woman, power, and female sexuality, but also academic Zeitgeist. i Declaration by author This thesis is composed of my original work, and contains no material previously published or written by another person except where due reference has been made in the text. I have clearly stated the contribution by others to jointly-authored works that I have included in my thesis. I have clearly stated the contribution of others to my thesis as a whole, including statistical assistance, survey design, data analysis, significant technical procedures, professional editorial advice, financial support and any other original research work used or reported in my thesis. The content of my thesis is the result of work I have carried out since the commencement of my higher degree by research candidature and does not include a substantial part of work that has been submitted to qualify for the award of any other degree or diploma in any university or other tertiary institution. I have clearly stated which parts of my thesis, if any, have been submitted to qualify for another award. I acknowledge that an electronic copy of my thesis must be lodged with the University Library and, subject to the policy and procedures of The University of Queensland, the thesis be made available for research and study in accordance with the Copyright Act 1968 unless a period of embargo has been approved by the Dean of the Graduate School. I acknowledge that copyright of all material contained in my thesis resides with the copyright holder(s) of that material. Where appropriate I have obtained copyright permission from the copyright holder to reproduce material in this thesis and have sought permission from co-authors for any jointly authored works included in the thesis. ii Publications included in this thesis No publications included. Submitted manuscripts included in this thesis No manuscripts submitted for publication. Other publications during candidature No other publications. Contributions by others to the thesis No contributions by others. Statement of parts of the thesis submitted to qualify for the award of another degree No works submitted towards another degree have been included in this thesis. Research Involving Human or Animal Subjects No animal or human subjects were involved in this research. iii Acknowledgements First of all, I would like to thank my supervisor Professor Alastair Blanshard for his exceptional guidance an unwavering support throughout the process of this thesis. My thesis definitely would not be at its current state without you. I would also like to thank my secondary supervisor, Janette McWilliam, for alerting me to some very useful scholarship that helped shape my thesis. I am also grateful for the informed opinion of Christian Djurslev, fellow Semiramis enthusiast, who helped me realise what exactly I had in front of me. I look forward to reading your upcoming publication. To my friends and peers at UQ (and ex-UQ), my warmest appreciation for your supportive environment. To Amy and Nile, my sincerest gratitude for your endless support, laughter, cynicism, and, at times, tissues. I am truly thankful for your friendship and being such a strong support system throughout some hard times. Also, Nile, thanks for putting up with me being very vocal about my constant cold extremities and hunger. A special thanks to everyone that proof read this thesis. I am gratefully indebted to your valuable (and often comical) comments and feedback on this thesis… or with the case of my mother her sympathies for Semiramis. “Yes mum, I’m sure Semiramis could have sued for defamation.” To my family—for their support, formatting, and “How to Get Your Thesis Done 101” tutorials. Lastly, Sonny, thank-you for reminding me of the big picture. iv Financial support This research was supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship. Keywords Semiramis, reception, orientalism, babylon, historiography, gender, greco-roman, late antiquity, medieval. v Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classifications (ANZSRC) ANZSRC code: 210306 Classical Greek and Roman History Fields of Research (FoR) Classification FoR code: 2103, Historical Studies, 100% vi Table of Contents Abstract ...................................................................................................................................................... i Declaration by author ................................................................................................................................ ii Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................................. iv Table of Figures ....................................................................................................................................... ix List of Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................ x INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 1 CHAPTER ONE ..................................................................................................................................... 5 Part One: Sexual Excess ..................................................................................................................... 5 Mesopotamia and Sex ....................................................................................................................... 6 The First Tradition .......................................................................................................................... 11 The Second Tradition ...................................................................................................................... 19 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 27 Part Two: Incest ................................................................................................................................ 29 Semiramis’ Incest in the Greco-Roman Sources ............................................................................ 31 Semiramis’ Incest in the Late Antique and Christian Sources........................................................ 35 Semiramis’ Incest in the Medieval Period ...................................................................................... 38 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 47 CHAPTER TWO .................................................................................................................................. 48 Part One: Monumental Construction ............................................................................................. 48 Semiramis’ Building Programme: Babylon and Beyond ................................................................ 49 Oriental Decadence ......................................................................................................................... 50 Controlling Nature: Hydraulics and Masonry ................................................................................