In the Hellenistic period of Greek history, communities often offered honours and titles to representatives of certain dynasties. Modelled on the earlier civic practice of creating a cult for important mythological or divine figures, the more modern ruler cult signified which figures were important to a city and its region, and represented the city's appreciation in return for favours or military services offered.

This book presents Christian Habicht's argument for the handling of these ruler cults in mainland Greece and the islands, relying upon contemporary testimony, down to 240 BCE. John Noël Dillon's translation of the 1970 German edition also presents the author's updated case studies based on inscriptional discoveries since that time. Includes updated supplemental material, additional bibliography, and detailed subject and source indexes.