# Arrian

> 2nd century Greek historian, official and philosopher

**Wikidata**: [Q31845](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q31845)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrian)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/arrian

## Summary
Arrian was a 2nd century Greek historian, official, and philosopher renowned for his historical and philosophical writings, particularly *Anabasis of Alexander*, a detailed account of Alexander the Great's campaigns. He also compiled the *Enchiridion of Epictetus*, a foundational text of Stoic ethics.

## Biography
- Born: 89–95 CE (approximate), in Nicomedia
- Nationality: Roman Empire (Greek heritage)
- Education: Studied under Epictetus, a prominent Stoic philosopher
- Known for: Historical and philosophical writings, especially on Alexander the Great and Stoicism
- Employer(s): Roman imperial administration; served as a procurator and later as governor of Pontus
- Field(s): History, philosophy, military studies

## Contributions
- Authored *Anabasis of Alexander* (~150 CE), a seven-volume chronicle of Alexander the Great's military campaigns, which remains a primary source for ancient historians.
- Compiled the *Enchiridion of Epictetus*, a concise manual of Stoic ethical teachings derived from the lectures of his mentor, Epictetus.
- Wrote *Dissertation of Epictetus*, preserving the teachings of the Stoic philosopher.
- Produced *Events after Alexander* (*Alexandri anabasin*), a continuation of the Alexander narrative.
- Served as a Roman military officer and provincial administrator, contributing to the empire's strategic governance.

## FAQs
**Who was Arrian and what did he write?**  
Arrian was a Roman-era Greek historian and philosopher best known for *Anabasis of Alexander*, a comprehensive account of Alexander the Great’s conquests. He also compiled the *Enchiridion of Epictetus*, summarizing the teachings of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus.

**What positions did Arrian hold in the Roman government?**  
Arrian held several administrative and military posts, including that of a procurator and later the governor of Pontus under Emperor Hadrian. His governance was noted for its efficiency and adherence to Roman legal standards.

**What is the significance of *Anabasis of Alexander*?**  
It is one of the most reliable sources on Alexander the Great's campaigns, drawing from earlier accounts and the testimonies of Alexander’s contemporaries. It remains central to classical historical studies.

**What is the *Enchiridion* and why is it important?**  
The *Enchiridion* (or *Encheiridion*) is a concise handbook of Stoic ethics compiled by Arrian from the teachings of Epictetus. It is a foundational text in Stoic philosophy, emphasizing personal ethics and resilience.

**How did Arrian contribute to philosophy?**  
Arrian was a student of Epictetus and compiled the philosopher’s teachings into accessible works, including the *Dissertation* and *Enchiridion*. These texts are key to understanding Stoic thought in the Roman era.

## Why They Matter
Arrian’s works are pivotal in preserving and transmitting both historical and philosophical knowledge from antiquity. His *Anabasis of Alexander* remains one of the most authoritative sources on Alexander the Great, while his philosophical writings on Epictetus have shaped the study of Stoicism. His administrative and military roles also reflect the integration of Greek intellectualism with Roman pragmatism.

## Notable For
- Authoring *Anabasis of Alexander*, a foundational historical text on Alexander the Great
- Compiling the *Enchiridion of Epictetus*, a key work in Stoic philosophy
- Serving as a Roman military officer and provincial governor
- Being a student of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus
- Producing *Dissertation of Epictetus*, a major source of Stoic teachings
- Writing *Events after Alexander*, continuing the narrative of Alexander’s successors

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Arrian, born circa 89–95 CE in Nicomedia (modern-day İzmit, Turkey), was a Roman-era Greek intellectual. He was educated in the philosophical traditions of Stoicism, becoming a student of Epictetus, whose teachings he later compiled into written works. His early life laid the foundation for his dual role as a historian and philosopher.

### Career
Arrian held significant administrative and military roles within the Roman Empire. He served as a procurator and was later appointed governor of Pontus, a province in northern Anatolia. His leadership was recognized with command of Roman legions in Iberia and the Black Sea region, where he demonstrated strategic acumen and administrative skill.

### Major Works

#### *Anabasis of Alexander*
- Composed around 150 CE, this seven-volume work chronicles the military campaigns of Alexander the Great.
- It draws on accounts from Alexander’s generals and companions, offering a historically rigorous narrative.
- The work is considered among the most accurate ancient sources on Alexander and is foundational to Hellenistic historiography.

#### *Dissertation of Epictetus* and *Enchiridion*
- Arrian compiled the *Dissertation of Epictetus* based on lectures by his teacher, Epictetus, a prominent Stoic philosopher.
- The *Enchiridion* (Handbook), derived from these teachings, is a concise guide to Stoic ethics and personal resilience.
- These works are instrumental in preserving and transmitting Stoic philosophy to later generations.

#### *Events after Alexander*
- A historical continuation of *Anabasis*, focusing on the successors of Alexander and the political shifts in the Hellenistic world.
- This work reflects Arrian’s ongoing engagement with historical narrative and political analysis.

### Philosophical and Historical Influence
Arrian’s writings shaped the understanding of both military history and Stoic ethics. His *Anabasis* remains a primary source for classical scholars, while his philosophical works continue to influence modern interpretations of Stoicism. His integration of historical analysis and ethical thought underscores his role as a bridge between Greek intellectualism and Roman governance.

### Legacy
Arrian’s legacy lies in his dual contributions to historiography and philosophy. His works remain essential texts in classical studies, and his administrative and military service reflects the practical application of philosophical ideals in Roman governance. His writings continue to inform modern understanding of antiquity.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Library of the World's Best Literature
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. CiNii Research
5. Integrated Authority File
6. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
7. National Library of Portugal
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. BnF authorities
10. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Arrianus%20Flavius)
11. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index1.html)
12. general catalog of BnF
13. CONOR.SI
14. CERL Thesaurus
15. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
16. [Perseus Digital Library](https://catalog.perseus.tufts.edu/catalog/urn:cite:perseus:author.206)
17. Enciclopedia Treccani
18. LIBRIS. 2012
19. Provenio
20. Clavis Historicorum Antiquitatis Posterioris
21. Catalogo of the National Library of India