By Is Diodorus reliable?
Although crediting Diodorus for writing in a clear and unaffected style, some historians, reviewing Diodorus’ history, often criticized him, citing his lack of military and political experience. This may have affected his judgment and contributed to poor historical reliability.
What did Diodorus write about Alexander the Great?
Bibliotheca historica (Library of world history), written in Greek by the Sicilian historian Diodorus Siculus, from which Book 17 relates the conquests of Alexander, based almost entirely on Cleitarchus and Hieronymus of Cardia. It is the oldest surviving Greek source (1st century BC).
When was Diodorus siculus alive?
1st century bc
Diodorus Siculus, (flourished 1st century bc, Agyrium, Sicily), Greek historian, the author of a universal history, Bibliothēkē (“Library”; known in Latin as Bibliotheca historica), that ranged from the age of mythology to 60 bc.
What was Diodorus point of view on Alexander the Great?
Although other writers would follow suit, Diodorus was among the first to recognize that Alexander had been given a great advantage by his father and that Philip’s successful reign had everything to do with his own character and intelligence and much less to do with the arbitrary chances of fate.
What sources did Diodorus use?
He had no reason to: both Sicily and Alexandria had been the scene of a civil war. All these books contain digressions on events in the west, for which Diodorus used good sources: Timaeus of Tauromenium for Sicily, and an excellent Roman annalist for the history of Italy.
What made Alexander the Great so great?
Alexander was a visionary, said Abernethy. His ability to dream, plan and strategize on a large scale allowed him to win many battles, even when he was outnumbered. It also helped motivate his men, who knew they were part of one of the greatest conquests in history.
Was Alexander the Great a good leader?
Alexander the Great was the best leader in his age, and possibly of all time. His legacy involves one of the most celebrated conquerors of the ancient world, one of the greatest warriors and military strategists of all time and has shaped civilization not only of the past, but also of the future1.
Who was Alexander the Great’s historian?
The Histories of Alexander the Great (Latin: Historiae Alexandri Magni) is the only ancient Latin biography of Alexander the Great. It was written by the Roman historian Quintus Curtius Rufus in the 1st-century AD, but the earliest surviving manuscript comes from the 9th century.
Did Alexander the Great ever lose a battle?
In 15 years of conquest Alexander never lost a battle. After securing his kingdom in Greece, in 334 B.C. Alexander crossed into Asia (present-day Turkey) where he won a series of battles with the Persians under Darius III.
Who defeated Alexander?
Hydaspes marked the limit of Alexander’s career of conquest; he died before he could launch another campaign. After conquering the Persian Empire, Alexander decided to probe into northern India. King Porus of Paurava blocked Alexander’s advance at a ford on the Hydaspes River (now the Jhelum) in the Punjab.