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Publiy DeksippAthenian historian.
Country:
 Greece |
Content:
- Dexippus, the Athenian Historian
- Early Life and Career
- Military Service
- Literary Works
- On the Events After Alexander
- Scythian War
- Historical Epitome or Chronicle
- Legacy
Dexippus, the Athenian Historian
Dexippus was an Athenian historian who lived in the 3rd century AD. His works have not survived in their entirety, but are known through excerpts quoted by later authors.
Early Life and Career
Dexippus, son of Ptolemy from Athens, was renowned as an orator and historian. He was honored with a statue by the Athenians during his lifetime. An inscribed marble base reads, in part: "By decree of the Areopagite Council and the Council of Seven Hundred and Fifty and the People of Athens, the children honor Publius Herennius Dexippus..."
Military Service
During the Scythian Wars, Dexippus led a 2,000-strong Athenian force in guerrilla warfare against the barbarian Heruli who had captured Athens around 268 AD. The 4th-century writer Trebellius Pollio praised Dexippus's military prowess, stating that he defeated the Goths in Achaea.
Literary Works
Dexippus was also an accomplished author. Photius, in his letters, highly praised the historian's writing, calling him "another Thucydides, but clearer in expression." According to Photius, Dexippus wrote three major works:
On the Events After Alexander
A four-book history covering events from Alexander the Great's death to the 3rd century AD.
Scythian War
An account of the war between the Scythians (Goths, Heruli, and other barbarians) and the Roman Empire in the 3rd century AD.
Historical Epitome or Chronicle
A concise overview of major events from mythical times to Emperor Claudius II (268-270 AD). This work displayed Dexippus's unique approach to chronology and writing style, as described by the historian Eunapius.
Legacy
Dexippus's historical writings were highly valued by his contemporaries and later historians. They provided valuable insights into the turbulent events of the 3rd century AD, including the Scythian Wars and the siege of Athens. His works continue to be studied and admired by scholars today.
