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Diodorus Siculus

Background

Diodorus Siculus was a Greek historian from the 1st century BCE, known for his extensive work, the "Bibliotheca Historica" (Historical Library). This comprehensive history of the world, written in 40 books, covers mythic history up to the start of the Roman Empire. Diodorus's work is one of the most significant sources of information on ancient history, particularly because much of what he wrote about has not survived in other sources.

Life and Background:

1. Origin and Name:

   • Birthplace: Diodorus was born in Agyrium (modern-day Agira) in Sicily, which is why he is often referred to as Diodorus Siculus.
   • Name: "Siculus" means "the Sicilian," indicating his place of origin.

2. Time Period:

   • Lifetime: Diodorus lived and worked in the 1st century BCE, during the late Roman Republic and the early Roman Empire. He is believed to have been active around 60 to 30 BCE.

3. Travels and Research:

   • Travels: Diodorus traveled extensively in the Mediterranean region, including Egypt and Rome. His travels provided him with first-hand information and access to various sources that enriched his historical writings.
   • Sources: He drew upon the works of earlier historians and authors, including Hecataeus, Herodotus, Ephorus, Timaeus, and others. He often quoted or paraphrased these sources, sometimes providing summaries of works that are otherwise lost.

"Bibliotheca Historica" (Historical Library):

1. Scope and Structure:

   • Comprehensive History: The "Bibliotheca Historica" is a universal history covering the mythic origins of the world, the history of ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, and events up to Diodorus's own time.
   • Division into Books: The work originally consisted of 40 books, of which only Books 1-5 and 11-20 have survived in their entirety. The remaining books are known through fragments and summaries.

2. Content Overview:

   • Books 1-6: These books cover the history and mythology of non-Greek cultures, including Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, Scythia, and Arabia. They also discuss the early history of Greece and Europe.
   • Books 7-17: These books deal with the history of Greece and the Near East from the Trojan War to the death of Alexander the Great.
   • Books 18-20: These books cover the history of the successors of Alexander the Great (the Diadochi) and the rise of Rome.
   • Books 21-40: These books, mostly lost, continued the history of Rome up to around 60 BCE.

3. Historical Approach:

   • Compilation and Synthesis: Diodorus's method was primarily that of a compiler and synthesizer. He aimed to create a coherent and continuous narrative from various sources, making the history accessible to a wider audience.
   • Style and Criticism: While his work is valuable for its preservation of earlier histories, Diodorus's writing style has been criticized for being somewhat uncritical and derivative. He often did not evaluate the reliability of his sources or provide critical analysis.

Legacy and Importance:

1. Preservation of History:

   • Unique Source: Diodorus's work is particularly valuable because it preserves information from many earlier historians whose works have been lost. His "Bibliotheca Historica" is one of the few surviving sources for certain periods and events in ancient history.
   • Broad Coverage: The scope of his work provides a panoramic view of ancient history, offering insights into various cultures and their interactions.

2. Influence on Later Historians:

   • Reference for Scholars: Later historians and scholars have relied on Diodorus's work for information on ancient history. His compilation has served as a reference point for understanding the chronology and events of the ancient world.
   • Legacy in Historiography: Despite its limitations, the "Bibliotheca Historica" has had a lasting impact on the field of historiography. It represents an early attempt at creating a comprehensive history of the known world.

3. Modern Scholarship:

   • Critical Analysis: Modern scholars continue to study and analyze Diodorus's work, assessing its historical accuracy and source material. His writings provide a foundation for reconstructing the histories of various ancient civilizations.
   • Translation and Publication: The "Bibliotheca Historica" has been translated into various languages, making it accessible to a broad audience of historians, classicists, and general readers interested in ancient history.

Conclusion:

Diodorus Siculus remains a significant figure in the study of ancient history. His "Bibliotheca Historica" is a monumental work that offers valuable insights into the histories and cultures of the ancient Mediterranean world. Despite its flaws, Diodorus's compilation has preserved a wealth of information that might otherwise have been lost, ensuring his enduring legacy in the field of historical scholarship.

Sources

Editio princeps, by H. Stephanus (1559); of other editions the best are: P. Wesseling (1746), not yet superseded; L. Dindorf (1828–1831); (text) L. Dindorf (1866–1868, revised by F. Vogel, 1888–1893 and C. T. Fischer, 1905–1906). The standard works on the sources of Diodorus are C. G. Heyne, De fontibus et auctoribus historiarum Diodori, printed in Dindorf’s edition, and C. A. Volquardsen, Die Quellen der griechischen und sicilischen Geschichten bei Diodor (1868); A. von Mess, Rheinisches Museum (1906); see also L. O. Bröcker, Untersuchungen über Diodor (1879), short, but containing much information; O. Maass, Kleitarch und Diodor (1894–  ); G. J. Schneider, De Diodori fontibus, i.-iv. (1880); C. Wachsmuth, Einleitung in das Studium der alten Geschichte (1895); Greece; Ancient History, “Authorities.”

1911 Encyclopædia Britannica, Volume 8. pg. 281.