ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Xenagoras: A 3rd-Century BC Greek Historian and Geographer

Xenagoras was a Greek historian and geographer who lived in the 3rd century BC. The approximate lifetime of Xenagoras is derived from his mention by Dionysius of Halicarnassus, who cited him as a source on the occasion of discussing the founding of Rome immediately after Kallias of Syracuse, another ancient historian who also lived in the 4th/3rd century BC. Although it remains uncertain whether Xenagoras was identical with Nymphis of Herakleia, an eponymous father of the Hellenistic historian, his work is well-documented.

Xenagoras authored a chronicle containing at least four books, only fragmentarily preserved. This work covered Sicily and Italy, particularly Rome, spanning from the early period to at least the Ionian uprising, possibly extending to the era of Hellenism. The chronicle was later referenced by Timachidas in his "Marble Stele," which provided information on cultic dedications from earlier times. Dionysius of Halicarnassus also mentioned Xenagoras' work when discussing various versions of Rome's founding, including a mythical story involving Odysseus and the three sons of Rhomo: Anteias and Ardeias.

In addition to his chronicle, Xenagoras wrote another lost text titled "Over Islands" ( ), which was likely only one book in length. This work is cited by Johannes Tzetzes and Stephanos von Byzantium, among others. Fragments from this text have been preserved, including those related to Cyprus. These fragments are recorded in Felix Jacoby's collection of the Greek Historians' Fragments (FGrH), No. 240.

Xenagoras' contributions as a historian and geographer demonstrate his significance in understanding ancient Greece and its cultural heritage. His work continues to be studied by scholars, providing valuable insights into the history and mythology of the region.