Androtion and the "Atthis": The Fragments Translated with Introduction and Commentary (Clarendon Ancient History Series) - Hardcover

Harding, Phillip

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 019872148X ISBN 13: 9780198721482

Publisher: Clarendon Press, 1993

Synopsis

"Atthis" was the name given to the local history of Attica. This genre of historiography was invented in the 5th century by Hellanikos of Lesbos. Written in chronicle form, based upon kings and archons, it covered all aspects of Attic affairs from their mythical beginnings to the contemporary history of the individual author. It was a fascinating blend of patriotic fiction and historical fact. Though there were at least seven men who wrote "Atthides", none of their works has survived intact. This volume presents in translation for the first time all the fragments of the "Atthis" of the 4th-century Athenian politician and historian, Androtion, and the "testimonia" for his life and career. Androtion was one of the most respected Atthidographers. His work was the basis of the "Atthis" of Philochoros, the last and greatest product of this genre. Androtion's "Atthis" was also a source for Aristotle's "Constitution of the Athenians", though not, it is argued, to the extent and in the manner usually believed. The genre and the individual Atthidographers, and Androtion and his career are discussed in the introduction. The individual fragments are analyzed in detail in the commentary. Throughout, particular attention is devoted to Jacoby's theory of the political bias of the Atthidographers, which is shown to be unfounded.

About this title

Review

"Harding is to be congratulated on his elucidation of Androtion's relation to Aristotle's Athenaion Politeia, which is quite convincing. In sum Harding has used what could be seen as a small topic to apply it to a number of important questions."--Canadian Journal of History"The useful collection of testimonia and translation of the surviving fragments of Androtion's Atthis is only exceeded by the thorough and careful commentary....an excellent and welcome work to the study of an important genre of historical literature."--Ancient History Bulletin

About the Author

Phillip Harding is Associate Professor of Classics at the University of British Columbia

Edition details

• Publisher: Clarendon Press
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 019872148X
• ISBN 13: 9780198721482
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 247