Philosophy

Onesicritus, the historian whom Alexander the Great sent to learn the secrets of the yogis

One of Onesicritus’ controversial stories, the visit of the Queen of the Amazons to Alexander / photo public domain on Wikimedia Commons

Astypalaia is a small island in the Greek Dodecanese, possibly a colony of Megara, where around 360 B.C. Onesicritus, a historian and cynic philosopher who followed Diogenes of Sinope ( the one who lived like a beggar in a jar), was born. In 334 BC, when he was 26 years old, he crossed the Hellespont…Continue readingOnesicritus, the historian whom Alexander the Great sent to learn the secrets of the yogis

How Aristotle’s personal library arrived in Rome, almost 300 years after his death

Photo solut_rai on Wikimedia Commons

Throughout history, books have been a highly prized commodity. Their trade goes back many centuries to the invention of materials such as papyrus and parchment, and the creation of libraries by accumulating and copying books gave rise to collections as famous as that of Alexandria. Unfortunately, many libraries were lost due to various circumstances. Others…Continue readingHow Aristotle’s personal library arrived in Rome, almost 300 years after his death