Il figlio del vasaio. Agatocle re in Sicilia

Diodorus Siculus reports that Agathocles assumed the title of basileus in imitation of the Diadochoi assuming this title in 306 BC: starting from this passage, I will try to contextualise the kingship of the Syracusan in two directions. On the one hand, I intend to highlight the relations with the definition and practice of autocratic power in Sicily during the 4th century (with particular attention to Dionysius the Elder), and on the other hand to underline the new Mediterranean dimension of Agathocles’ power. Both the unfortunate expedition to Libya and the military actions in the area of Corcyra and the Ionian space are central to the construction of his image: they show very well the extent of the king's ambitions and the importance of the military conquest in his legitimisation. Finally, I will highlight choices and gestures that allow us to appreciate that theatrical dimension entirely in keeping with Hellenistic basileia.