Introducing Megasthenes

Abstract

This chapter focuses on Megasthenes (ca. 350–290 BCE) the author of the most extensive description of India, its geography, peoples, customs and (to some extent) history written by a Greek author. For many years, he was associated with Sibyrtios, the satrap of Arachosia and Gedrosia, and therefore presumably lived in Kandahar (Alexandria in Arachosia). His particular importance stems from the fact that, according to his own testimony, he travelled to India as ambassador for King Seleucus to the court of Candragupta Maurya in Pataliputra. As a result of this experience, he knew India better than any other Greek, and was able to write from authoritative knowledge and deep experience. Most of Megasthenes' work survives only in “fragments” and very little is known about him.