In Bed with an Egyptian Princess: Herodotus on Theft, Pyramids and Conquest

Following in the footsteps of Homer, both Iliad and Odyssey, Herodotus Halicarnassus gives women a very conspicuous presence only work attributed to him, known as Histories. Usually, who appear his are directly related prominent male characters. In this respect, daughterhood is one most distinct roles played by Herodotus’ Twelve actively involved narrative written author identified daughters kings, tyrants or other noblemen, Greek barbarian origin. Among available examples, paper we focus on three Egyptian princesses, pharaohs Rhampsinitus, Cheops Amasis —in reality, Apries—, because they constitute precious instances for exploring tensions arising parent-child relationships Herodotean work. We aim at determining whether these princesses individually fulfilled characters, despite being sexually dominated their fathers, either biological putative. To end, conduct an in-depth analysis passages which (Hdt. 2.121ε; 2.126; 3.1), taking into account why under what circumstances controlled, how interact with fathers characters consequences sexual control subjected has them. Results show that achieve own fulfilment wife, builder avenger, respectively. conclude confers them visibility, dignity non-transferable personality.