Aristotle, Alexander and Seleucus : virtue and legitimacy of Hellenistic kings

This article aims to show an ideological link between the ideas on rulership of the Philosopher Aristotle, king Alexander III. of Macedon and king Seleucus I. of the Seleucid empire. These ideas concern the ideal form of monarchical government, the unique virtue of a ruler, the implications of a ruler's superior qualities and their consequences. The article will seek to provide evidence for such a link by presenting several passages from various relevant sources, such as the philosophical, historical, and biographical works of Aristotle, Arrian, Plutarch and Appian. First, the ideas and thoughts expressed in Aristotle's Politics on virtue and an ideal kingdom shall be analysed; then, their connection with Alexander the Great shall be explored; and finally, their influence extending to Seleucus shall be examined. A focus shall be concentrated on various speeches claimed to be spoken by Alexander and Seleucus, and the similarity between them and their contexts. Some examples of theories possibly contradicting the claim of the article shall be briefly discussed and commented on. Hopefully, this article will shed some light on the notably Ancient Greek origins of Hellenistic absolute monarchy conducive to their proper understanding.