chronology of Alexander

[pahoja]

What is the basis for 354 bc to 323 bc chronology for Alexander? Persian sources (Shahnama) place him about two hundred years before Ardeshir Babekan, which would mean about middle of first century. Syrian and Hebrew sources may have different views. I wonder if someone has explored this puzzle.

[agesilaos]

This would be from the ancient Greek and Roman sources which place him in this range and the epigraphic and numismatic evidence which does likewise. It would also be quite difficult for Demosthenes to ridicule Alexander in the 340s if he were not to be born for another two hundred years.

[marcus]

I do think it's very interesting if at least some sources seek to place Alexander in a different time period; although, as Karl says, there's not really any disputing the dates that we have from the Graeco-Roman sources.ATBMarcus

[nickw]

The Babylonian sources (cuneiform tablets) are also very clear in dating the Alexander-period.And of course their is the full eclipse of the moon that, as our sources record, happened a few days prior to Gaugamela in northern-Mesopotamia. This 'galactic' event enables us to fix the year 331 BC as the very year of Alexander's victory.Regards ---Nick

[pahoja]

Eclipses occur every year. Full moon eclipse is more rare but there must have been hudreds in the last two thousand years. A full moon eclipse cannot therefore pin point a date.

[pahoja]

Eclipses occur every year. Full moon eclipse is more rare but there must have been hudreds in the last two thousand years. A full moon eclipse cannot therefore pin point a date.

[pahoja]

How can you be sure Demosthenes lived in the 340s.

[pahoja]

How can you be sure Demosthenes lived in the 340s.