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Hecataeus of Miletus

Background

Hecataeus of Miletus (c. 550 – c. 476 BCE) was an early Greek historian and geographer. He hailed from the city of Miletus, located in what is now modern-day Turkey. Hecataeus is considered one of the pioneers in the field of geography and historical writing.

Contributions:

1. Historical Work: Hecataeus is best known for his work "Genealogies" (also known as "Historiai" or "Histories"), in which he attempted to compile and systematize the various myths and genealogies of the Greek gods and heroes. His approach was more rational and critical compared to the mythological traditions, often questioning the veracity of the stories.

2. Geographical Work: His other major work, "Periodos Ges" (or "Journey Around the Earth"), was a comprehensive geographical survey. It was divided into two parts: one describing Europe and the other Asia (which included Egypt and North Africa). Hecataeus's geographical descriptions were based on his own travels and the accounts of other travelers. This work laid the groundwork for future geographers, including Herodotus.

Style and Method:

Hecataeus's writing style was notable for its clarity and simplicity. He adopted a more scientific approach to history and geography, relying on empirical evidence and logical reasoning rather than relying solely on mythological accounts. His efforts to differentiate between myth and history were significant steps toward the development of historiography.

Legacy:

Though only fragments of his works survive, Hecataeus's influence is evident in the works of later historians and geographers, such as Herodotus, who often cited Hecataeus and built upon his methodologies. Hecataeus's rational approach to understanding the world marked a transition from mythical explanations to more systematic and observational methods in historical and geographical scholarship.

Sources

Hecatei Fragmenta, fr. 362.

Dandamaev, M. A. (1989). A Political History of the Achaemenid Empire. BRILL. p. 153. ISBN 978-9004091726. During the period of Achaemenid rule in Miletus, which was the most important city of Ionia, there lived the eminent philosopher Anaximander and the geographer and historian Hecataeus.

Herodotus, Histories (Herodotus) 5.36, 125

Diodorus Siculus, Bibliotheca historica 10.25

Lamberg-Karlovsky, C. C.; Sabloff, Jeremy A. (1979). Ancient Civilizations: The Near East and Mesoamerica. Benjamin/Cummings. p. 5.

"Hecataeus" in Oxford Classical Dictionary 3rd. ed. Oxford; Oxford University Press 1999 pp.670-1

The History of History; Shotwell, James T. (NY, Columbia University Press, 1939) pp. 172–173

The Ancient Greek Historians; Bury, John Bagnell (NY, Dover Publications, 1958), pp. 14, 48

Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Hecataeus of Miletus". Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Hecataei Milesii Fragmenta: Scylacis Caryandensis Periplus 1831 edition of Hecateus fragments.