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Generally reliable account of the life, character, and military operations of the great conqueror by the second-century A.D. Greek historian and military administrator for the Romans.
A good overview of the campaigns - sometimes a bit tiresome in its narrow focus, but then again the author is not a modern historian. Which is actually the case to read this book, to get a sense of sotrytelling and views on history in antiquity - this the author obviously provides. ( )
One of my all time favorite books. Probably the first real piece of classical history I read when I was 19, and it's still my favorite, even though Arrian's stoic justification for Alexander's bad behavior is less justified for me at 34. You can feel Alexander's glory. ( )
This is the most detailed life of Alexander written by someone with access to the records of his time, which was probably around 150CE. Also it's got lots of battles, and keeps track of some of the changes in the staff and army of the conqueror. If you can only read one, read this one. The translation is well written in the 1971 edition, which is the one I've got. ( )
It is said that Philip died when Pythodemus was archon at Athens, and that his son Alexander, being then about twenty years of age, marched into the Peloponnesus as soon as he had secured the regal power.
Quotations
Last words
In relating the history of Alexander’s achievements, there are some things which I have been compelled to censure; but I am not ashamed to admire Alexander himself. Those actions I have branded as bad, both from a regard to my own veracity, and at the same time for the benefit of mankind. For this reason I think that I undertook the task of writing this history not without the divine inspiration.
Generally reliable account of the life, character, and military operations of the great conqueror by the second-century A.D. Greek historian and military administrator for the Romans.
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Book description
Arrian's history of Alexander the Great is our most complete and reliable account of the world's greatest conqueror. Writing in the Roman Empire during the 2nd century AD, Arrian was a Greek historian, philosopher, and military commander. For this work, also known as “The Anabasis of Alexander”, he had access to many sources which are now sadly lost. Thankfully for us, he cites them by name, weighs their truthfulness and motives, and records what he believes to be the most probable story of Alexander's intentions and deeds. The result is a brilliant description of the young Macedonian prince, and of how he conquered most of the known world in just ten years.
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