Origins & Early Life

Arrian (; Greek: Ἀρριανός Arrianos; Latin: Lucius Flavius Arrianus; c. 86/89 – c. after 146/160 AD), also known as Arrian of Nicomedia, was a Greek historian, public servant, military commander, and philosopher of the Roman period. The Anabasis of Alexander by Arrian is considered the best source on the campaigns of Alexander the Great.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Scholars have generally preferred Arrian to other extant primary sources, though this attitude has changed somewhat in light of modern studies into Arrian's method. Arrian was born in Nicomedia (present-day İzmit), the provincial capital of Bithynia. Cassius Dio called him Flavius Arrianus Nicomediensis. Sources provide similar dates for his birth, within a few years prior to 90, 89, and 85–90 AD. The line of reasoning for dates belonging to 85–90 AD is because of Arrian being made a consul around 130 AD, and the usual age for this, during this period, being 42 years of age.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

(ref. pp. 312, & SYME 1958, ibid.). His family was from the Greek provincial aristocracy, and his full name, L. Flavius Arrianus, indicates that he was a Roman citizen, suggesting that the citizenship went back several generations, probably to the time of the...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Zhou Yu — Contemporary (Born in 175) (175): Brilliant general of the late Eastern Han dynasty, key to Eastern Wu's rise.
• Alec Baldwin — Historical peer (Born in 1958) (1958): Versatile American actor known for dramatic depth and comedic timing.
• Andie MacDowell — Historical peer (Born in 1958) (1958): Acclaimed American actress and model known for romantic and dramatic roles.
• Dioscorides — Contemporary figure (Died in 90) (90): Father of Pharmacognosy; author of the seminal encyclopedia, De materia medica.
• Antoninus Pius — Contemporary figure (Born in 86) (86): Fourth of the Five Good Emperors, known for a long period of peace and stable administration.
• Ban Gu — Contemporary figure (Died in 92) (92): Esteemed Han Dynasty scholar, poet, and key compiler of the Book of Han.
• Marcion of Sinope — Contemporary figure (Born in 85) (85): Pioneering early Christian theologian whose doctrines shaped New Testament canon development.
• Luke the Evangelist — Contemporary figure (Died in 84) (84): A foundational figure in early Christianity, author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles.
• 89 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 89
• 175 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 175