Issue 151 (2021)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2640.2021.151.1

REFLECTION OF HEPHAESTION’S DIVINITY

The article attempts to determine the display of recognition of the degree of divinity of Hephaestion and the aspects related to this factor. Hephaestion was the closest person in the life of Alexander the Great, who embodied the syncretic processes of the Eastern and Greco-Macedonian traditions, received the status of "second after the king" and held a set of the highest titles, both military and administrative, played one of the key positions at court and had a big influence on Alexander. After the death of Hephaestion, the king wondered: what honors to give a friend, as a god, demigod, or hero? The article is based on ancient Greek written sources and archaeological sources: a stone lion in the Iranian city of Hamadan, and a recently discovered tomb with burials on Casta Hill in Amphipolis, which gives the study more relevance and novelty. My own contribution is the developing concept of recognizing the cult of divinity of Hephaestion, through his military rise in life and the preservation of high status after death and the syncretic elements he embodied. In the course of the research, a detailed reconstruction of the funeral ceremonies was carried out, and controversial issues concerning the recognition of Hephaestion as a hero or deity, which appeared in ancient sources, were analyzed. Attempts are also made to show a reflection of Hephaestion's attraction to Persian traditions.

Key words: Hephaestion, divinity, hero, Ecbatana, Amphipolis, lion, heroon.

Submitted: 10.06.2021