The "Metz Epitome": Alexander (July, 330 B.C.-July, 325 B.C.). A commentary.

Abstract

This historical commentary on the Metz Epitome, a late fragmentary account of Alexander's exploits, compares the work with the extant early Alexander historians. The sources of the anonymous author have much in common with the Cleitarchan historians, in particular, Diodorus Siculus and Quintus Curtius Rufus. Non-Cleitarchan elements in the text seem to reflect a certain affinity with a Hebraic tradition concerning Alexander. An examination of the author's methodology suggests that "epitome" is not an accurate description of the work in question. The anonymous author has achieved a unique portrait of Alexander and included information not found elsewhere. In view of its late authorship and the few new crumbs of historical fact it offers, the value of the Metz Epitome lies in its interpretation of Alexander's career rather than as a source for it.