DIODORUS SICULUS Meaning and
Definition
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Diodorus Siculus, also known as Diodorus of Sicily, was a Greek historian and author who lived in the 1st century BC. He is well-known for his comprehensive work of history, titled "Bibliotheca historica" or "Library of History."
Diodorus Siculus was born in Agyrium (now called Agira), a town in Sicily, and was active during the time of the Roman Empire. His major work, "Bibliotheca historica," is a universal history that covers a wide range of subjects, including mythology, geography, and the history of various nations and civilizations. It is a vast compilation of information, drawn from numerous sources, both written and oral.
Diodorus Siculus aimed to provide a chronological and objective account of the world's history up until his time. His work consists of 40 books, spanning from mythical times to the era of Julius Caesar. Although parts of his work have been lost over time, Diodorus Siculus remains one of the most important ancient historians, praised for his meticulous research and analysis.
His writings were highly influential and were used as a source by later historians, including Strabo and Plutarch. Diodorus Siculus' work gives valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural aspects of various ancient civilizations, making him a vital resource for scholars interested in ancient history. His efforts in compiling and preserving historical information have made a significant contribution to our understanding of the ancient world.
Etymology of DIODORUS SICULUS
The name "Diodorus Siculus" is a combination of two parts: "Diodorus" and "Siculus".
The term "Diodorus" is derived from the Greek name "Diodoros" (Διόδωρος), which itself is composed of two elements: "dio-" meaning "through" or "across", and "doros" meaning "gift". Therefore, "Diodorus" can be interpreted as "gift of God" or "the one given by Zeus".
"Siculus", on the other hand, refers to the region of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It comes from the Latin "Siculus" or "Siceliota", which probably traces back to the ancient Greek word "Sikeloi" (Σικελοί), the name given to the native inhabitants of ancient Sicily.
