Babyloniaka
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The Babyloniaka was a historical work by Berosus, a Babylonian priest of Bel, written in Greek around 290 BCE. Dedicated to Antiochus I, it covered the history and culture of Babylonia and Assyria. Berosus's work, though surviving only in fragments quoted by later historians like Eusebius and Josephus, was crucial in transmitting Babylonian origins to the ancient Greeks.1
The first book described Babylonia's civilization, brought by the mythical Oannes, and recounted the creation myth. It also touched upon Chaldean astrology. The subsequent books detailed Babylonian and Assyrian chronology and history, starting with ten kings before a great flood, followed by a line of kings after the flood, and concluding with the Persian conquest by Alexander the Great. Cuneiform texts have corroborated elements of Berosus's account, including the names of some of his civilization-bringing figures.1
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history of MesopotamiaThe classical and medieval views of Mesopotamia; its rediscovery in modern times…the three books of the Babylōniaka. Unfortunately, only extracts from them survive, prepared by one Alexander Polyhistor (1st century bce), who, in his turn, served as a source for the Church Father Eusebius (died 342 ce). Berosus derided the “Greek historians” who had so distorted the history of his country.…
Read More…the three books of the Babylōniaka. Unfortunately, only extracts from them survive, prepared by one Alexander Polyhistor (1st century bce), who, in his turn, served as a source for the Church Father Eusebius (died 342 ce). Berosus derided the “Greek historians” who had so distorted the history of his country.…
Read More- history of MesopotamiaThe Seleucid period
Although the excerpts of his work that are preserved deal with the ancient, mythological past and with astrology and astronomy, the fact that they are in Greek is indicative of interest among local Greek colonists in the culture of their neighbours. Another popular author was Apollodorus of Artemita (a…
Read MoreAlthough the excerpts of his work that are preserved deal with the ancient, mythological past and with astrology and astronomy, the fact that they are in Greek is indicative of interest among local Greek colonists in the culture of their neighbours. Another popular author was Apollodorus of Artemita (a…
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