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The Library, Books 16-20: Philip II, Alexander the Great, and the Successors
Starting with the most meagre resources, Philip made his kingdom the greatest power in Europe
The Greek historian Diodorus of Sicily is one of our most valuable sources from ancient times. His history, in forty volumes, was intended to range from mythological times to 60 BCE, and fifteen of The Library's forty books survive.
This new translation by Robin Waterfield of books 16-20 covers a vital period in European history. Book 16 is devoted to Philip, and without it the career of this great king would be far more obscure to us. Book 17 is the earliest surviving account by over a hundred years of the world-changing eastern conquests of Alexander the Great, Philip's son. Books 18-20 constitute virtually our sole source of information on the twenty turbulent years following Alexander's death and on the violent path followed by Agathocles of Syracuse. There are fascinating snippets of history from elsewhere too - from Republican Rome, the Cimmerian Bosporus, and elsewhere.
Despite his obvious importance, Diodorus is a neglected historian. This is the first English translation of any of these books in over fifty years. The introduction places Diodorus in his context in first-century-BCE Rome, describes and discusses the kind of history he was intending to write, and assesses his strengths and weaknesses as a historian. With extensive explanatory notes on this gripping and sensational period of history, the book serves as a unique resource for historians and students.
The Greek historian Diodorus of Sicily is one of our most valuable sources from ancient times. His history, in forty volumes, was intended to range from mythological times to 60 BCE, and fifteen of The Library's forty books survive.
This new translation by Robin Waterfield of books 16-20 covers a vital period in European history. Book 16 is devoted to Philip, and without it the career of this great king would be far more obscure to us. Book 17 is the earliest surviving account by over a hundred years of the world-changing eastern conquests of Alexander the Great, Philip's son. Books 18-20 constitute virtually our sole source of information on the twenty turbulent years following Alexander's death and on the violent path followed by Agathocles of Syracuse. There are fascinating snippets of history from elsewhere too - from Republican Rome, the Cimmerian Bosporus, and elsewhere.
Despite his obvious importance, Diodorus is a neglected historian. This is the first English translation of any of these books in over fifty years. The introduction places Diodorus in his context in first-century-BCE Rome, describes and discusses the kind of history he was intending to write, and assesses his strengths and weaknesses as a historian. With extensive explanatory notes on this gripping and sensational period of history, the book serves as a unique resource for historians and students.
624 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 31
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About the author
Diodorus Siculus
389 books39 followersDiodorus Siculus (Greek: Διόδωρος Σικελιώτης [Diodoros Sikeliotes]) was a Greek historian, who wrote works of history between 60 and 30 BC. He is known for the monumental universal history Bibliotheca Historica. According to Diodorus' own work, he was born at Agyrium in Sicily (now called Agira). With one exception, antique sources afford no further information about Diodorus' life and doings beyond what is to be found in his own work. Only Jerome, in his Chronicon under the "year of Abraham 1968" (i.e., 49 BC), writes, "Diodorus of Sicily, a writer of Greek history, became illustrious". His English translator, Charles Henry Oldfather, remarks on the "striking coincidence" that one of only two known Greek inscriptions from Agyrium (I.G. XIV, 588) is the tombstone of one "Diodorus, the son of Apollonius".
Diodorus' universal history, which he named Bibliotheca Historica ("Historical Library"), was immense and consisted of 40 books, of which 1–5 and 11–20 survive: fragments of the lost books are preserved in Photius and the excerpts of Constantine Porphyrogenitus.
It was divided into three sections. The first six books treated the mythic history of the non-Hellenic and Hellenic tribes to the destruction of Troy and are geographical in theme, and describe the history and culture of Ancient Egypt (book I), of Mesopotamia, India, Scythia, and Arabia (II), of North Africa (III), and of Greece and Europe (IV–VI).
In the next section (books VII–XVII), he recounts the history of the world from the Trojan War down to the death of Alexander the Great. The last section (books XVII to the end) concerns the historical events from the successors of Alexander down to either 60 BC or the beginning of Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars. (The end has been lost, so it is unclear whether Diodorus reached the beginning of the Gallic War as he promised at the beginning of his work or, as evidence suggests, old and tired from his labours he stopped short at 60 BC.) He selected the name "Bibliotheca" in acknowledgment that he was assembling a composite work from many sources. Identified authors on whose works he drew include Hecataeus of Abdera, Ctesias of Cnidus, Ephorus, Theopompus, Hieronymus of Cardia, Duris of Samos, Diyllus, Philistus, Timaeus, Polybius, and Posidonius.
His account of gold mining in Nubia in eastern Egypt is one of the earliest extant texts on the topic, and describes in vivid detail the use of slave labour in terrible working conditions.
Diodorus' universal history, which he named Bibliotheca Historica ("Historical Library"), was immense and consisted of 40 books, of which 1–5 and 11–20 survive: fragments of the lost books are preserved in Photius and the excerpts of Constantine Porphyrogenitus.
It was divided into three sections. The first six books treated the mythic history of the non-Hellenic and Hellenic tribes to the destruction of Troy and are geographical in theme, and describe the history and culture of Ancient Egypt (book I), of Mesopotamia, India, Scythia, and Arabia (II), of North Africa (III), and of Greece and Europe (IV–VI).
In the next section (books VII–XVII), he recounts the history of the world from the Trojan War down to the death of Alexander the Great. The last section (books XVII to the end) concerns the historical events from the successors of Alexander down to either 60 BC or the beginning of Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars. (The end has been lost, so it is unclear whether Diodorus reached the beginning of the Gallic War as he promised at the beginning of his work or, as evidence suggests, old and tired from his labours he stopped short at 60 BC.) He selected the name "Bibliotheca" in acknowledgment that he was assembling a composite work from many sources. Identified authors on whose works he drew include Hecataeus of Abdera, Ctesias of Cnidus, Ephorus, Theopompus, Hieronymus of Cardia, Duris of Samos, Diyllus, Philistus, Timaeus, Polybius, and Posidonius.
His account of gold mining in Nubia in eastern Egypt is one of the earliest extant texts on the topic, and describes in vivid detail the use of slave labour in terrible working conditions.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 17, 2021
Cassander, Lysimachus, Ptolemy, and Antigonus were freed from the threat they had been expecting [Alexander IV] to pose in the future. Since there was no longer anyone to inherit the empire, from then on anyone who ruled peoples or cities could entertain hopes of kingship and the territory under his sway was in effect a kingdom, won by the spear.
While Alexander has long been one of the most famous figures from the Greek world, I have always been far more interested in what came before and after him. Diodorus maps out a period of profound change. Really at its core, it’s the closing of the Classical Period of Greek history and a complete reimaging of the Greco-Near Eastern world. This book picks up with Diodorus mapping out the dying gasps of the Greek Polis. The Peloponnesian war and the Battle of Leuctra has shattered the traditional hegemonies of Greece. Athens continuously attempts to reassert itself in Northern Greece and foil Philip’s attempts to gain territory, and the once noble kings of Sparta hire themselves out as mercenaries. The Greek states are now embroiled in a series of sacred wars that allows Philip to start a period of imperialist control of the Greek peninsula that will not end until the creation of the modern Greek State.
I read Alexander’s history up until the sack of Thebes and skimmed ahead until his death but following that was several books of absolutely riveting information. The war of the Successors was disorientating and very confusing. Figures came and went, entire armies and garrisons switched sides when the opportunity struck. The Greek cities were constantly being liberated and garrisoned (even by the same figures). It was my first real taste of a period that I have often wanted to investigate but never really have. It was quite an experience. Slowly but surely out of the confusion of the years following Alexander’s death familiar things began to unfold. The major set pieces were put into place. Ptolemy controls Egypt, Seleucus regains Babylon, and Antigonus was poised as the threat to take everything away. The book finally ends with the gathering of Armies before the Battle of Ipsus. I’m grateful of Diodorus as a primary introduction to this fascinating period.
But that’s enough of that. Diodorus may be writing in a relatively bland, annalistic style, but there was plenty of juicy bits to glean from his writing. Being an annalist, the detail may not be all there or very in depth, but it was fun to read such a diversity of histories. While Greece, Asia, and Sicily were naturally a focus, there was tidbits of information about a variety of places. Diodorus also really put the history of Rome in perspective. While Alexanders generals are fighting it out for supremacy, we are only at book 9 of Livy’s history. Rome is only just beginning to solidify its control of Italy.
While Alexander has long been one of the most famous figures from the Greek world, I have always been far more interested in what came before and after him. Diodorus maps out a period of profound change. Really at its core, it’s the closing of the Classical Period of Greek history and a complete reimaging of the Greco-Near Eastern world. This book picks up with Diodorus mapping out the dying gasps of the Greek Polis. The Peloponnesian war and the Battle of Leuctra has shattered the traditional hegemonies of Greece. Athens continuously attempts to reassert itself in Northern Greece and foil Philip’s attempts to gain territory, and the once noble kings of Sparta hire themselves out as mercenaries. The Greek states are now embroiled in a series of sacred wars that allows Philip to start a period of imperialist control of the Greek peninsula that will not end until the creation of the modern Greek State.
I read Alexander’s history up until the sack of Thebes and skimmed ahead until his death but following that was several books of absolutely riveting information. The war of the Successors was disorientating and very confusing. Figures came and went, entire armies and garrisons switched sides when the opportunity struck. The Greek cities were constantly being liberated and garrisoned (even by the same figures). It was my first real taste of a period that I have often wanted to investigate but never really have. It was quite an experience. Slowly but surely out of the confusion of the years following Alexander’s death familiar things began to unfold. The major set pieces were put into place. Ptolemy controls Egypt, Seleucus regains Babylon, and Antigonus was poised as the threat to take everything away. The book finally ends with the gathering of Armies before the Battle of Ipsus. I’m grateful of Diodorus as a primary introduction to this fascinating period.
But that’s enough of that. Diodorus may be writing in a relatively bland, annalistic style, but there was plenty of juicy bits to glean from his writing. Being an annalist, the detail may not be all there or very in depth, but it was fun to read such a diversity of histories. While Greece, Asia, and Sicily were naturally a focus, there was tidbits of information about a variety of places. Diodorus also really put the history of Rome in perspective. While Alexanders generals are fighting it out for supremacy, we are only at book 9 of Livy’s history. Rome is only just beginning to solidify its control of Italy.
January 6, 2022
A fascinating book about the time of Philip, Alexander, and the Era of the Diadochi. I only wish more of it had survived.
May 15, 2020
Recensione sul blog Alessandro III di Macedonia- la tua risorsa su Alessandro Magno
Review of the blog Alessandro III di Macedonia- your source about Alexander the Great
(English: https://alessandroiiidimacedonia.word...
Italiano: https://alessandroiiidimacedonia.word...)
Review of the blog Alessandro III di Macedonia- your source about Alexander the Great
(English: https://alessandroiiidimacedonia.word...
Italiano: https://alessandroiiidimacedonia.word...)
July 20, 2025
I was familiar with Diodorus Siculus from modern historians quoting him, but apart from the expensive Loeb library edition I was not sure I would ever be able to read his work. Thankfully, Oxford World Classics has put out this version of books 16-20 which covers the beginnings of Hellenism from Phillip through Alexander and then the successors. A pity that so many of the books of Diodorus were lost, but we are fortunate to have what we do. And after waiting all these decades I can finally say I have read at least some of his Library.
April 20, 2020
Diodorus' style is a bit bizarre at times, and the "universal annalism" clearly doesn't work considering his constant focus on specific events. Nevertheless, good book in general, a good translation, and the explanatory notes in this book are indispensable in casting light on Diodorus' faults.
November 24, 2020
Probably the best version of Diodorus' books 16-20, considering its extraordinarily valuable notes, which give context and a deeper critical view of the text. Also, the book is very recent, contrary to most, so the information added is updated. I absolutely recommend this book.
January 3, 2020
I enjoyed this new translation tremendously.
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April 6, 2022c. 36 BCE (between 60 and 30 BC)
The earliest date Diodorus mentions is his visit to Egypt in the 180th Olympiad (between 60 and 56 BC). This visit was marked by his witnessing an angry mob demand the death of a Roman citizen who had accidentally killed a cat, an animal sacred to the ancient Egyptians (Bibliotheca historica 1.41, 1.83). The latest event Diodorus mentions is Octavian's vengeance on the city of Tauromenium, whose refusal to help him led to Octavian's naval defeat nearby in 36 BC (16.7). Diodorus shows no knowledge that Egypt became a Roman province—which transpired in 30 BC—so presumably he published his completed work before that event. Diodorus asserts that he devoted thirty years to the composition of his history, and that he undertook a number of dangerous journeys through Europe and Asia in prosecution of his historical researches. Modern critics have called this claim into question, noting several surprising mistakes that an eye-witness would not be expected to have made
The earliest date Diodorus mentions is his visit to Egypt in the 180th Olympiad (between 60 and 56 BC). This visit was marked by his witnessing an angry mob demand the death of a Roman citizen who had accidentally killed a cat, an animal sacred to the ancient Egyptians (Bibliotheca historica 1.41, 1.83). The latest event Diodorus mentions is Octavian's vengeance on the city of Tauromenium, whose refusal to help him led to Octavian's naval defeat nearby in 36 BC (16.7). Diodorus shows no knowledge that Egypt became a Roman province—which transpired in 30 BC—so presumably he published his completed work before that event. Diodorus asserts that he devoted thirty years to the composition of his history, and that he undertook a number of dangerous journeys through Europe and Asia in prosecution of his historical researches. Modern critics have called this claim into question, noting several surprising mistakes that an eye-witness would not be expected to have made
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews