Atthidographer

ancient Greek historiographers

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June 18, 2026

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The term "Atthidographer" refers to ancient Greek writers who chronicled the history of Attica, the region surrounding Athens. These historians, such as Androtion and Philochorus, focused on local history, valuing Athens's past and sometimes reinterpreting its events. While they were not solely antiquarians, their work was influenced by the changing political landscape, including the rise of monarchies. The 4th century BCE, in particular, is well-documented due to the survival of many Atthidographic writings, offering insights into social life and historical perspectives of the time.1

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ancient Greek civilization
Historical writings
…men, who are known as Atthidographers, were not simply antiquarians escaping from the monarchic present. On the contrary, the greatest of them, Philochorus, was put to death in the 3rd century by a Macedonian king for his excessive partiality toward King Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Egypt. All these authors were,…
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…men, who are known as Atthidographers, were not simply antiquarians escaping from the monarchic present. On the contrary, the greatest of them, Philochorus, was put to death in the 3rd century by a Macedonian king for his excessive partiality toward King Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Egypt. All these authors were,…
Read More