APPIANO E LA STORIOGRAFIA SELEUCIDE DELLE ORIGINI: OSSERVAZIONI SU APP. SYR. 55, 280

Abstract

Appian and the Seleucid historiography: some notes about App. Syr. LV, 280

In this contribution the A. offers a close analysis of Appian’s Syr. LV, 280, arguing that this passage draws from material going back to what the A. defines as ‘the first Seleucid historiography’. This historiographical tradition can be placed between the year 312-311 (Seleucus’ conquest of Babylon) and 300 ca. (aftermath of the battle of Ipsus). During these years Babylon/Seleucia on Tigris is still the core of Seleucus’ kingdom, while in northern Syria it is Seleucia Pieria which plays the most important role among the new 4 cities of the so-called Tetrapolis.