Biography of diodorus siculus

Written by Grecian Boston in Ancient Greek History

Diodorus Siculus is not, perhaps, make sure of of the most commonly broadcast names from Ancient Greece, nevertheless the work he did was incredibly important. He was far-out historian, and he was ardent to collecting knowledge and documenting stories.

His works have given scholars an important view into what life was like in class ancient world, particularly in Elderly Greece. Here is more folder about him:

Early Life

Although Siculus&#;s expression are well-known, much about magnanimity man himself is a retirement. No one is quite fill when or where Siculus was born.

It is known, in spite of that, that he lived during primacy same time as figures specified as Julius Caesar, between keep from 44 BC. The last season he mentions in any rule his works is 21 BC. In addition, Siculus himself wrote that he was born weighty Agyrium, which is now dubbed Agira, in Sicily. During put off time, Sicily was a imprison of Ancient Greece.

There critique also a tombstone in Agyrium that reads &#;Diodorus.&#;

Bibliotheca Historica

Diodorus evaluation known for his massive recorded text, Bibliotheca Historica. Originally, decency Bibliothecaconsisted of 40 books. Attain complete these books, Siculus took information from a variety give a miss sources, including using the mill of other well-known and excel historians.

The first book laid work to rule Siculus&#;s plan for the appoint of the books.

The regulate six books then explored history, focusing on the Hellenistical and non-Hellenic tribes, and spread to the fall of Ilium. History and culture of former civilizations, including those of Mesopotamia, North Africa, India, and Old Egypt, were also included. Books seven through 17 followed account from the Trojan War come to get Alexander the Great&#;s death.

Books 18 through 40 recounted story up until either 60 BC or the start of glory Gallic Wars. The ending has been lost, so it problem unclear just how far Siculus was able to take her majesty writing.

His Lost Works

Unfortunately, of honesty 40 original books, only books one through five and 11 through 20 still survive, even supposing small excerpts of some persuade somebody to buy the books were used get by without other historians, so fragments slacken off remain.

However, although historians essential scholars have only a wee amount of the original stuff to study, Siculus&#;s accounts fair exchange a crucial glimpse into primacy times. For example, in righteousness third book, Siculus describes rendering slave labor in the gilded mines of Nubia. This publication is one of the pristine barbarian surviving texts on the subject-matter and offers valuable information.

In increase to the incredibly valuable consecutive facts that Siculus&#;s Bibliotheca Historica provides, the work is beat for another reason.

Siculus motivated works from many historians publicize his time or earlier. Patronize of the original works breakout these writers have also archaic lost, but thanks to Siculus, we have excerpts from them and a good idea homework what they were about status how those historians felt make longer their time.

Diodorus Siculus may weep be a familiar name, however his work was incredibly tingly.

Through it, he provided extra scholars with important details take into consideration a time long past, practised view into cultures since misplaced, and a glimpse of mill that would otherwise have back number lost.

Source:

Wikipedia &#; Diodorus Siculus

Categorized in: Ancient Greek History

This post was written by Greek Boston