Bion of Borysthenes. A Collection of the Fragments with Introduction and Commentary.

Aus der Bibliothek von Prof. Wolfgang Haase, langj�igem Herausgeber der ANRW und des International Journal of the Classical Tradition (IJCT) / From the library of Prof. Wolfgang Haase, long-time editor of ANRW and the International Journal of the Classical Tradition (IJCT). - sehr guter Zustand / very good condition - Widmung / Dedication des Autors an W. Haase - CONTENTS -- List of works -- cited by author�s name or other abbreviation -- Introduction -- Life -- Literary work, language, and style -- Philosophical standpoint -- Influence -- Principles for the collection of fragments -- Appendices -- The question of the so-called diatribe -- The literary form of the apophthegmata -- Text -- Diogenis Laertii Vita Bionis -- Testimonia -- Fragmenta -- Commentary -- Concordance -- Indices -- Index fontium -- Select index to introduction and commentary -- Life -- Bion, usually known as the Borysthenite in the ancient tradition, was born in the Greek city of Olbia, situated on the northern coast of the Black Sea, on the right bank of the river Hypanis and not very far from its confluence with the river Borysthenes. The inhabitants of Olbia and also their city were usually named by other Greeks from the latter river. Olbia was originally colonised -- from Miletus, being founded in 646/5 B.C.During the later part of the fourth century B.C., i.e. when Bion was born, the two cities renewed an agreement on isopolity. Olbia as a city was mainly Greek in character with different Greek institutions and a democratic form of government. Notwithstanding that Olbia was far from the centres of the Greek world, it cannot be described as isolated. During the period of interest here, the later part of the fourth century B.C., it was an important commercial centre, thanks to its excellent situation with good connections both to the north and the south. Many Greeks from elsewhere lived in Olbia and the communications with their cities, especially Athens, were frequent. There is therefore every reason to believe that life in Olbia was very active and that new ideas and impulses quickly found their way there. Moreover the importance of foreign neighbours, such as the Scythians, must be emphasized and these contacts were both of a commercial and a cultural character. Later on the Scythians gradually gained greater importance in Olbia.