Sources of Historical Evidence DO NOW – Complete the brainstorm Photographs ? ? ? ?

Learning Objectives Identify the sources used to study the life and influence of Alexander the Great and evaluate their uses and limitations

The Sources for Alexander In pairs you will be investigating the sources available. Starting with the primary sources, unfortunately none of which now survive… What would have been their strengths and weaknesses? Rank them in order of value. Be prepared to justify your decision. You need to try and gain agreement as a group, so debate the various strengths and weaknesses.

The Sources for Alexander Now look at the ‘secondary’ sources. As these are still from the Ancient Period and as no others survive, we will henceforth, refer to these as the ‘primary’ evidence on Alexander. Use you booklets and the information from pages 18 to 22 of Hamilton to evaluate the sources. SourceUsesLimitations ARRIAN PLUTARCH DIODORUS SICULUS CURTIS RUFUS JUSTIN

SourceUsesLimitations ARRIAN Uses multiple sources (Ptolemy/Aristobulus) Distance from the period possibly reduces bias. More reflective perhaps. Seeking out notable events – arguably wanting to create a dramatic portrayal PLUTARCH Wide use of sources e.g Callisthenes/Cleitarchus Detailed research Considers character traits in Alexander Some anecdotes may not be accurate Plutarch says himself, he is a biographer not a historian Possibly to heavily influenced by ideas of political and moral virtue DIODORUS SICULUS Provides info lacking in other accounts Does us multiple sources Some gaps Based largely on Aristobulus (poss favours Alexander) Perhaps influenced by personal values CURTIS RUFUS Uses range of sources Vivid detail in places Offers alternative ideas to other sources Some books missing from his history Somewhat dramatic writing style JUSTIN Further interpretations on the life of Alexander Based on previous research Questions of reliability Little known about the author