Alexander Polyhistor

Lucius Cornelius Alexander polymath (c. 100 BC, † 40 BC) was an ancient Greek scholar. Because of its multiple studies, he received the nickname polymath. The majority of his work has been lost, but some quotes and fragments are preserved in other writers, throw an interesting light on the history and culture of the eastern Mediterranean.

Life

Alexander polymath was born in Miletus in Caria or Myndos. From Sulla captured during the First Mithridatic War and taken to Rome, he took on his release in the name of Cornelius and continued to live in Italy. He accompanied Crassus on his campaigns against the Parthians.

Works

Alexander's most important treatise consisted of 42 books on historical and geographical questions of almost all countries of the ancient world. His second major work deals with the Jews. It contains excerpts nacherzählender form of Jewish writers who are otherwise unknown. The students belonged to Alexander et al Gaius Julius Hyginus, a Latin writer and friend of Ovid, who was appointed by Emperor Augustus Head of the Palatine library.