The Seleucid Era and early Hellenistic imperialism

This article presents a new analysis of the origins of the Seleucid Era, and its relationship to early Seleucid imperialism. Contrary to recent assessments of the Era as a radical and early invention of Seleucus I, designed to promote imperial homogenisation, we argue that it emerged gradually out of diadochic competition and pre-existing temporal systems, as Seleucus and the other successors attempted to assert control over the territories conquered by Alexander. Moreover, even when the year count established by Seleucus became an Era, most likely to facilitate dynastic succession, it took two forms, adapted to the different calendrical systems of the empire. This undermines the idea that the early Seleucid rulers sought to repress local difference.