Cleitarchus Reconstruction Update 2
Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 2:26 pm
Just to let you know that there is now an update of the Cleitarchus of Alexandria Reconstruction Project (CARP GÇô but nothing fishy about it!) on my site at http://www.alexanderstomb.com/I have now begun the synthesis of the source material into the appropriate order within the thirteen proposed books. The synthesis for the first six books is now drafted and presented in tabular form on my site. The eventual reconstruction of the text will be guided by this synthesis from the source material.This is proving to be an intriguing process, which is already casting much new light on the lost work of Cleitarchus. For example, there are strong reasons to believe that Cleitarchus used the work of his contemporary Timaeus for chronological information. Our date for AlexanderGÇÖs birth as cited by Plutarch probably comes from Timaeus, but via Cleitarchus. The reconstruction process is strongly vindicating my decision to go for thirteen books (roughly one for each year of AlexanderGÇÖs reign). Those Cleitarchus fragments which include book numbers are fitting quite neatly into this scheme. It looks as though Cleitarchus mentioned the rebellion of Agis in its correct chronological sequence at the end of his fifth book and it is clear that his sixth book closed with the death of Darius. This is also why Trogus ended his eleventh book and Curtius ended his fifth book at this point.I hope to continue my CARPing on my website.Best wishes,Andrew