Pytheas of Massalia: Texts, Translation, and Commentary

Pytheas of Massalia was a Greek explorer and astronomer who made a pioneering voyage into the Atlantic around 325 BC, reaching Britain and the Baltic. This book collects and translates references to him and his book, discussing and explaining their content. Pytheas' journey covered Iberia, France, Britain, and the Baltic, and he recorded Thule in the Arctic Circle. Two-thirds of our references to Pytheas come from Pliny and Strabo, and the book explores their methods of work and the perils of manuscript transmission. Pytheas' work has a wide range of appeal within classical studies and ancient history, and this volume provides an invaluable resource to undergraduate and postgraduate students of early geography and astronomy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Pytheas of Massalia, a renowned mariner, explorer, geographer, and astronomer, embarked on a pioneering expedition into the hitherto unexplored Atlantic around 325 BC. His remarkable journey led him to reach Britain and the Baltic, marking a significant milestone in human exploration. This book serves as a compilation and translation of references to Pytheas and his lost book, offering insightful discussions and explanations of these sources.

Prior to Pytheas, the Greeks had limited knowledge of northern Europe, relying primarily on fantastical tales of traders. Pytheas, however, was the first to provide factual and firsthand information on this region. His remarkable journey spanned Iberia, France, Britain, and even ventured as far north as encountering ice floes. His astronomical expertise allowed him to accurately locate Thule on the Arctic Circle. Two-thirds of our references to Pytheas originate from Pliny and Strabo, and this volume delves into their methods of work and the challenges of manuscript transmission. Scott also includes discussions and appendices to provide a comprehensive understanding of the available references to Pytheas. While some details of his voyage remain lost, the book presents balanced arguments for proposing plausible reconstructions.

The scope and depth of Pytheas' accomplishments extend across various fields, including geography, astronomy, and history. His work encompasses a wide range of areas, from recording the existence of Thule to understanding Greece's knowledge of and relationship with the rest of Europe during this period. This volume holds immense value for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying early geography and astronomy, as well as the broader field of ancient history. It serves as a crucial resource that enhances our understanding of the ancient world and sheds light on the remarkable contributions of Pytheas of Massalia.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032020068