In “Arsinoë of Egypt and Macedon” Elizabeth Carney, shows how much influence Arsinoë possessed in a time where women were seen as inferior compared to their male counter parts. In her book, it is evident that Arsinoë is not an ordinary woman, she led a dramatic whirlwind of a life, and she was married to three dissimilar kings, witnessed two of her own son’s die; and fled two different kingdoms. In Carney’s book, she shows that royal wives provided powerful positions, helped secure the cyclical role of the dynasties and continuously acted as their son’s advocates for possible succession (3). In this book, women play immense roles in their cities, some played roles in the religion of their empire, most likely as priestesses and were usually important players in political alliances (3). Arsinoë is shown wielding power most queens probably never had; she had a following and most of all wealth; Carney wrote “…She paid for the largest round building in the Greek world, the rotunda, as an offering to the Great Gods of Samothrace.” (38) Carney is showing us just how powerful this historically illusive woman was by telling us about her life with three husbands, multiple cities and riches. Arsinoë was such a special woman that before she was to marry Ptolemy II, he had his own daughter (ironically names Arsinoë I) exiled. Carney shows readers that woman albeit being seen as inferior, held important political roles just like men “…a number of royal women appeared in front of armies and exercised administrative control over mercenaries… Women played a role in sieges, presumably because anything they did for the city also defended the “oikos” (household)…” (52) Arisnoë’s marriage to her full brother Ptolemy II took the world by surprise; marriage to full siblings was not heard of during this time period. The power this couple held was astronomical; in Egypt this marriage didn’t cause much trouble, this brother-sister marriage helped intensify their royal authority (71). In Egypt the people saw Arsinoë’s marriage to her brother as being akin to Osiris and Isis, making the king and queen to now be associated with the Gods (71). Arsinoë had control in what went on in her previous two marriages “…demanded that Ceranus promise that he would not treat her with indignity by taking another wife or by recognizing children other than her sons as his” (76). Arsinoë’s marriage with her full brother Ptolemy II insured security, stability and great success of their dynasty. By marrying her brother she, this allowed them …show more content…
With this marriage, Arsinoë was granted the title of “King of upper and lower Egypt”, a title normally reserved for men. Due to her power, an assertion was added in the second dynasty to allow women to rule in Egypt (85). Arsinoë wasn’t simply strong in the royal and political court, this woman was incredible even in competition. Arsinoë won three equestrian victories in Olympia within a year, by winning, her horses even began to function as publications of her wealth, power and her dynasty (89). Arsinoë was such a strong and important woman that even after her death she remained a strong presence as long as her dynasty continued in Egypt (128). “…Priestly families continued to name their daughters “Arsinoë” …through the 1st century BCE”