Abydenus

Abydenus (Ancient Greek: Ἀβυδηνός) was a Greek historian, likely writing during the late Hellenistic or early Roman period (possibly 2nd century CE), though the exact date remains debated amongst scholars. He is primarily known for his work on Assyrian history, which survives only in fragments quoted by later authors, notably Eusebius of Caesarea in his Praeparatio Evangelica and Cyril of Alexandria in his Contra Julianum.

Abydenus' work is considered to be of interest as a potential source for Mesopotamian history and mythology, providing a Greek perspective on the traditions and legends of the Assyrian and Chaldean cultures. He purportedly based his history on earlier accounts, including those of Berossus, a Babylonian priest and historian who wrote in Greek. Consequently, Abydenus is sometimes seen as a link in the chain of transmission connecting Babylonian and Assyrian lore to the later classical world.

The fragments attributed to Abydenus often deal with mythological or legendary figures such as the mythical kings of Assyria and accounts related to the Deluge. While valuable as a possible source, these fragments are problematic. The authenticity of some of the quotations ascribed to him has been questioned, and it can be difficult to determine the extent to which Abydenus accurately represents the original sources he claimed to be drawing upon. Furthermore, the fragmentary nature of his work, filtered through the interpretations of later Christian writers seeking to integrate pagan history into a Christian worldview, makes any definitive assessment challenging.

Despite the difficulties in interpretation, Abydenus remains a figure of interest for scholars seeking to understand the transmission of Mesopotamian culture and history to the Graeco-Roman world, even if the reliability and scope of his contribution remain a subject of ongoing scholarly debate.