Lecture Notes on Egyptian History in the Classical Historiographers

Overview

• Author: Ian S. Moyer
• Published in: UCLA Encyclopedia of Egyptology, 2014
• Main Focus: Examination of how Egyptian history was documented by classical historians, focusing on the works of Herodotus, Diodorus Siculus, and others.

Importance of Classical Historians

• Classical historians provide a perspective on Egyptian history, particularly during periods contemporary with Greek and Roman civilizations.
• Historians like Herodotus and Diodorus Siculus offer accounts that, while not always reliable, contain valuable information and perspectives.

Herodotus and Greek Historiography

• Era: c. 490–415 BCE
• Contribution:
  • Herodotus's 'Histories' (second book) is the first significant Greek account of Egypt.
  • Described Egyptian geography, customs, and history, influencing subsequent historiography.
  • Depicted Egypt as a land with a long human past, challenging Greek mythologies.
  • Gathered information from Egyptian priests and possibly Greek intermediaries.
• Challenges:
  • His accounts mix historical facts with myths, leading to some inaccuracies.
  • Debate exists over the accuracy of his sources, primarily Egyptian priests.

The Hellenistic Period

• Key Figures:
  • Hecataeus of Abdera: Worked under Ptolemy I, influenced Diodorus Siculus.
  • Manetho of Sebennytos: An Egyptian priest who wrote 'Aegyptiaca' in Greek.
• Changes:
  • Greek conquest under Alexander and the Ptolemaic dynasty allowed more direct access to Egyptian history.
  • The works of Hecataeus and Manetho reflect a blend of Greek historiographical methods and Egyptian historical traditions.

Roman Period Historiography

• Context:
  • Egypt came under Roman control not long after Diodorus Siculus visited.
  • Few extensive accounts of Egyptian history exist from this period.
  • Roman interest focused more on Egyptian religion than history.
• Historians:
  • Roman historians like Tacitus and Ammianus Marcellinus included brief mentions of Egypt in their works.

Legacy and Bibliography

• Herodotus’s work is the most influential account from antiquity regarding Egyptian history.
• Scholars continue to debate the accuracy and interpretation of classical accounts of Egypt.
• Bibliographic works offer extensive insights into Herodotus’s sources, accuracy, and the historiographical tradition that followed.

Conclusion

• Classical historians, despite limitations, provide a crucial glimpse into how Egyptian history was perceived and recorded in ancient times.
• These works are invaluable for understanding both the history of Egypt and the development of historiography in the classical world.