Damascus Nick (Nikolaos)

Nicholas of Damascus; Nikolaos, born. 64 g. BC. e., the Greek historian. Some time was a tutor of children in Egypt, Cleopatra VII and Antony. Longest of all lived at the court of Herod the Great, who left after the death of a king (4 g. n. e.). Subsequently represented the interests of the son of Herod in Rome, where possible, and then remained. The main and significant work N.D. a history (Historiai or Archaiologia) in 144 books, from books I-VII preserved excerpts Konstantin Porfirogeneta (cm. article "The fate of ancient literature"). It presents world history from ancient times (Assyria, Mesopotamia, Lydia, Persia, the Trojan War) until the death of Herod. History H. used Strabo, Josephus, Plutarch and Eusebius. Of the other works of H. attention should be devoted to Herod the Great essay about customs (Ethon synagoge) (я?я€.), autobiography and laudatory biography of Augustus (preserved excerpts Konstantin Porfirogeneta). N. was also the author of several non-surviving philosophical, botanical and zoological works, as well as tragedies and comedies.