Page 1 of 1

chronology of Alexander

Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2005 8:50 pm
by 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.

Re: chronology of Alexander

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 6:20 am
by 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.

Re: chronology of Alexander

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 4:46 pm
by 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

Re: nor the Babylonian & the eclipse

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 6:24 pm
by 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

Re: nor the Babylonian & the eclipse

Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2005 1:59 pm
by 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.

Re: nor the Babylonian & the eclipse

Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2005 1:59 pm
by 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.

Re: chronology of Alexander

Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2005 2:03 pm
by pahoja
How can you be sure Demosthenes lived in the 340s.

Re: chronology of Alexander

Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2005 2:03 pm
by pahoja
How can you be sure Demosthenes lived in the 340s.