The Praise of the Next: Family Cooperation, Legislative Harmony and Panhellenism in the “Aegineticus” of Isocrates

Abstract

The analogies between the field of interpersonal links and the level of international relations have been widespread across the ancient Greek world. The re-examination of Isocrates’s speech Aegineticus, in this sense, can be useful to explore an interesting metaphorical use of the concepts of closeness and friendship. Given that the speech deals with a debate on the law applicable to a conflict of succession, the care provided by Isocrates’ client reproduces the vocabulary of the peaceful coexistence of domestic legislations. This literary mechanism can show, on a supplementary level, the political importance of ensuring Panhellenic cooperation.