Some suggestions on the proem and ‘second preface’ of Arrian's Anabasis

Abstract

In JHS cv (1985) 162–8, J. L. Moles has given an excellent treatment of the literary influences at work in the ‘second preface– of Arrian's Anabasis (i 12.1–5). I am in agreement with the main points of his work, and the purpose of the present note is to offer some additional evidence and suggestions.1. Literary influences. Moles sees five major influences at work in the second preface: Homer, Herodotus, Thucydides, Xenophon, and the prose encomium. Of this last he writes (164), ‘Arrian's work will be biographical in orientation and fundamentally encomiastic’. There is no doubt, of course, that Arrian's work is encomiastic; Arrian does not hesitate to express admiration for Alexander at the outset of the work or in comments throughout the work or in the επιμετρῶν λόγος at the work's conclusion. But Arrian's history is not an encomium, though it may incorporate elements from that genre.

Lucian, Fronto, and the Absence of Contemporary Historiography under the Antonines

“…1.12.5. ἐμοὶ πατρίς τε καὶ γένος καὶ ἀρχαὶ οἵδε οἱ λόγοι εἰσί τε καὶ ἀπὸ νέου ἔτι ἐγένοντο. For readings of this passage in terms of literary influences and function, see Moles 1985;Marincola 1989. A near exception to Arrian's self-effacement comes at Anab.…”

Mnemosyne kai Sophia

“…No primeiro capítulo da Vida que dedicou ao Macedónio, este 7 Moles (1985) 164 fala do μακαριασμός, o encómio em prosa. Sobre a verdadeira natureza do relato de Arriano -se encómio ou historiografia -, vide ainda Marincola (1989) 186-189. 8 Se a alusão à tradição historiográfica se faz, neste passo, de modo indirecto, pelo estilo e vocabulário usados, a menção da Anábase de Xenofonte é individualizante e o relacionamento com a proposta de Arriano evidente.…”

Enjeux littéraires et historiques du portrait d'Alexandre : les barbares dans l'Anabase d'Arrien

“…5 Grâce au mouvement amorcé par les études de Stadter 1980, Tonnet 1988et Bosworth 1988. 6 Schepens 1971Stadter 1980, p. 60-65 ;Bosworth 1980, p. 104-107 ;Stadter 1981 ;Roisman 1983Roisman -1984Moles 1985 ;Tonnet 1988, p. 69-77 ;Bosworth 1988, p. 32-37 ;Marincola 1989 ;Gray 1990.…”