Classical Historians on Alexander Flashcards
1
Q
what is the official tradition?
A
- an ‘official’ history of Alexander’s life endorsed by him
- historians brought on campaigns
2
Q
who were the historians of the official tradition?
A
- Callisthenes of Olynthus (4th c. BCE)
- Ptolemy (late 4th to early 3rd c. BCE)
- Aristoboulos (late 4th to early 3rd c. BCE)
- Arrian (2nd c. BCE)
3
Q
what was the vulgate tradition?
A
- ‘unofficial’ history of Alexander’s life
- historians using one common source
- includes what was ommitted from the official tradition to maintain a positive portrayl of Alexander
vulgate = common
4
Q
who were the author’s of the vulgate tradition?
A
- Diodorus (2nd c. BCE)
- Curtius Rufus (1st c. CE)
- Justin (c. 200 CE)
5
Q
who was Aristoboulos?
A
- official tradition historian
- eye-witness account
- provides flattering account of Alexander’s drinking
- tasked w/ restoring tomb of Cyrus the Great
- claims Alexander’s drinking parties were for the benefit of his companions
6
Q
who was Ptolemy?
A
- official tradition historian
- eye-witness account
- general of Alexander
- became king of Egypt (est. Ptolemaic Dynasty)
- brought Alexander’s body to Memphis (Alexandria)
7
Q
who was Cleitarchus?
A
- began the vulgate tradition
- lost work written c. 309-306 BCE
- most pop. Alexander narrative by Roman period
- lived in Egypt during reign of Ptolemy I
8
Q
who was Callisthenes?
A
- official tradition author
- suspected of committing high treason in a plot to kill Alexander
- controversial death
9
Q
what are the two different versions of Callisthenes’ death
A
- died from disease while in shackles (Arrian)
- died from torture & hanging (Quintus Curtius Rufus)
10
Q
who was Plutarch?
A
- wrote the Life of Alexander (2nd c. CE)
- biographical account, not a historical narrative
- anecdotal stories illuminating Alexander’s character features
- structure based on vulgate tradition but uses a variety of sources
11
Q
who was Arrian?
A
- official tradition historian
- experienced Roman general turned consul
- archon in Athens
