The contributions to this volume represent a range of case studies that provide perspectives on the question of how deeply Hellenic influence penetrated into the lives of the subjects of the Hellenistic monarchies. Greek became the language of international discourse of the ruling elites in the kingdoms formed after the conquests of Alexander. But to what extent were the institutions and practices of these monarchies shaped by ideologies brought by Greek-speaking rulers? To what extent did the customs of the complex cultures they ruled over shape the practices of the ruling elites, conserving ancient institutions in traditional ways?
