Representations of Semiramis from antiquity to the medieval period

Abstract

The traditions surrounding Semiramis, the Babylonian Queen, are as rich as they are diverse. At different times and places, differing social, economic, political, and religious circumstances have combined to create a variety of versions of Semiramis to suit numerous agendas. Therefore, we do not see one singular canonical tradition on the Queen but a multifaceted version in which her story is transmitted, refracted, and distorted by numerous hands.Running through this multiplicity of images are continual concern about Semiramis' identity as ruler and her position as an Oriental queen. Images of Semiramis are highly conditioned by discourses relating to the East and normative expectations about gender. This thesis identifies three main themes in Semiramis' tradition: sexual excess, ability at monumental construction, and success in military exploits. Each chapter assesses the main literary trends supplemented with a case study. The first chapter on sexual excess establishes that there is a long tradition of the Western imaginary associating the Oriental East as sexually promiscuous. This manifests in the sexualized image of Semiramis apparent in our sources, particularly with later charges of incest examined in the case study. Chapter Two, on monumental construction, demonstrates that strong Orientalist clichés and literary tropes are entrenched in the traditions of the Queen and are further reinforced by the tomb story. In contrast, the military representations of Semiramis, examined in Chapter Three, vary greatly. When mentioned in relation to Alexander the Great she is often a triumphant expansionist, whilst other sources use this representation as evidence of her despotism which is exacerbated by Late Antique sources as bloodthirstiness. However, in the Medieval sources these ideologies become characteristic of masculine strength and good sovereignty, evident in the revolt story. These receptions of Semiramis not only reflect the changes in the debates on woman, power, and female sexuality, but also academic Zeitgeist.