Arrian

From Philosopedia

Arrian (Lucius Flavius Arrianus 'Xenophon' (c. 92 - c. 175)

Arrian of Nicomedia was a philosopher as well as Greek historian of the Roman period. He wrote in Attic, preserving the works of Epictetus, writing about Alexander the Great ], and telling of Nearchus's voyage from India.

Born in Nicomedia (now Izmit), capital of the Roman province of Bithynia (now in north-western Turkey near Byzantium, which now is Istanbul, Arrian studied under the Stoic Epictetus in Nicopolis in Epirus. He also served in Gaul on the Danube frontier and, in 129, was Consul. In 130 he was appointed governor of Cappadocia and commander of the Roman legions on the border with Armenia.

When Hadrian died in 138, Arrian moved to Athens, becoming a citizen and a member of the Boule (Council).

Indica, in which he wrote about the voyage of Alexander's fleet from India to the Persian Gulf, was one of several works on political history that he wrote, most of which have been lost.

Arrian, who is not to be confused with the 4th Century B.C.E. Xenophon, died in Athens.