MF CASR lunch with Julian Degen

The Book of Esther and Achaemenid Imperial Narratives

The Book of Esther is a fascinating historical source for the history of the ancient Near East. Scholars, however, are still pit in opposing camps regarding the question whether the Book of Esther is a fictional account, or whether a nugget of historical information is buried in its narrative. This problem is being tackled by juxtaposing the decision-making of the Great King as presented in this account with Achaemenid imperial narratives. By locating two episodes in the wider framework of ancient Near Eastern imperial programs and non-imperial perceptions of the Achaemenid Empire, it will be argued that this account represents a discursive response of a subaltern group to the phenomenon of empire.

Please join us in person at the MF Library, or watch on Zoom: https://mf-no.zoom.us/j/64105595003?pwd=S0JpdTIyT1dBcjRwTjg2YzVxdmVRQT09

Zoom Meeting ID: 641 0559 5003

Passcode: MFCASR