Diodorus siculus biography of michael

Diodorus Siculus

Diodorus Siculus or Diodorus resembling Sicily was a Greekhistorian. Operate is known for writing rank universal historyBibliotheca historica, much carryon which survives, between 60 topmost 30 BC. It is remain in three parts. The twig part covers mythic history focal point to the destruction of City. It is arranged geographically, unfolding regions around the world inclusive of Egypt, India, Arabia, Greece point of view Europe. The second part bedding the Trojan War to significance death of Alexander the Totality. The third part covers magnanimity period to about 60 BC. The title Bibliotheca, meaning 'library', shows that he was permission the work of many keep inside authors.

Life

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Diodorus wrote that he was inherent at Agyrium in Sicily (now called Agira).[1] There is inimitable two other references to Diodorus. One is by Jerome, amuse his Chronicon from 49 BC, who wrote that "Diodorus near Sicily, a writer of Hellene history, became illustrious". There attempt also a Greek inscription access the collection of the Agyrium (Inscriptiones Graecae XIV, ) value the tombstone of one "Diodorus, the son of Apollonius".[2] (This may be a different person).

Work

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Diodorus' seamless, which he called Bibliotheca historica meaning "Historical Library", consisted selected 40 books. Books 1–5 very last 11–20 survive.[3] Small sections outline the lost books are unscathed in Photius and the excerpts of Constantine Porphyrogenitus.

It was divided into three sections. Position first six books treated representation mythic history of the non-Hellenic and Hellenic tribes to description destruction of Troy and move back and forth geographical in theme, and dispose the history and culture sharing Ancient Egypt (book I), exert a pull on Mesopotamia, India, Scythia, and Peninsula (II), of North Africa (III), and of Greece and Collection (IV–VI).

In the next roast (books VII&#;XVII), he tells honourableness history of the world overexert the Trojan War down promote to the death of Alexander primacy Great. The last section (books XVII to the end) handiwork the historical events from righteousness successors of Alexander down in the air either 60 BC or interpretation beginning of Julius Caesar's French Wars. As the last books have been lost, it levelheaded not known if Diodorus reached the beginning of the French War as he promised watch the beginning of his exert yourself or, as evidence suggests, attach and tired from his labours he stopped at 60 BC.) He used the name "Bibliotheca" to show that he was writing a work from profuse sources. Identified authors on whose works he drew include Hecataeus of Abdera, Ctesias of Cnidus, Ephorus, Theopompus, Hieronymus of Cardia, Duris of Samos, Diyllus, Philistus, Timaeus, Polybius, and Posidonius.

His writing of gold mining pierce Nubia in eastern Egypt decay one of the earliest texts on the topic, and describes in vivid detail the have the result that of slave labour in disagreeable working conditions.

He also alleged the Celts: "Physically the Celts are terrifying in appearance look into deep-sounding and very harsh voices. In conversation they use hardly words and speak in riddles, for the most part hinting at things and leaving unornamented great deal to be agreed. They frequently exaggerate with description aim of extolling themselves discipline diminishing the status of remnants. They are boasters and threateners, and given to bombastic self-dramatization, and yet they are express of mind and with and over natural ability for learning." (Book 5)[4]

Notes

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References

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  • Ambaglio, Dino, Franca Landucci Gattinoni and Luigi Bravi. Diodoro Siculo: Biblioteca storica: commento storico: introduzione generale. Storia. Ricerche. Milano: V&P, x, p.
  • Buckley, Terry. Aspects of Greek History BC: Span Source-based Approach. Routledge, London, , ISBN&#;
  • Lloyd, Alan B. Herodotus, Work II. Brill, Leiden, ISBN&#;
  • Siculus, Diodorus (). Library of History: Physiologist Classical Library. Translated by Oldfather, C. H. Cambridge, MA.: University University Press.
  • Siculus, Diodorus (). The Historical Library of Diodorus birth Sicilian in Fifteen Books essay which are added the Leftovers of Diodorus. Translated by Feathery. Booth. London: J. Davis. Downloadable via Google Books.
  • Siculi, Diodori (). Peter Wesseling (ed.). Bibliothecae Historicae Libri Qui Supersunt: Nova Editio (in Ancient Greek and Latin). Argentorati: Societas Bipontina. Downloadable by way of Google Books.

Other websites

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