Changing Identities at the Turn of the Common Era: The Case of Semiramis

Babylon, a city of shifting identities, was constant point reference for the Mediterranean world. This article explores portrayal Babylonian queen Semiramis in Greek and Roman sources, demonstrating how ancient Near Eastern identities were constructed from external perspective cultures. Herodotus first mentioned fifth century bce, associating her with Babylon’s architectural wonders. Ctesias described as an outstanding, but many respects flawed military leader. In contrast, during final stage Republic, Diodorus Siculus reshaped Ctesias’ narrative portrayed more positively, emphasizing beauty, virtues, courage, intelligence. During Empire, remained remarkable figure who accomplished great deeds, later authors introduced negative aspects to story. The Augustan Age negatively, new elements added, such sodomy murder, used stand-in Cleopatra. Both queens denigrated female rulers foreigners, cultural differences between Mesopotamian identities. served categorize describe culture, rather than understand it. Ultimately, this shows reflects different perceptions Babylonia/Assyria shifted over time literature, serving part propaganda pass judgment on Cleopatra emphasize differences.