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DEMETRIUS OF PHALERUM, LIBRARIAN IN THE LIBRARY OF PTOLEMY I
WHY THE IDENTITY OF THE FIRST LIBRARIAN IS IMPORTANT HERE
Who was the first librarian in the Library at Alexandria?
According to Aristeas, Demetrius of Phalerum was in charge of the library under Ptolemy II.1
But there are others who argue that Zenodotus of Ephesus first held this post under Ptolemy II.
The question is important for the discussion here.
Since Demetrius was considerably older than Zenodotus (their relative ages are discussed below), if
Zenodotus was the first librarian under Ptolemy II, Demetrius is unlikely to have occupied this post. Aristeas is then probably incorrect when he states that Demetrius was employed by Ptolemy II.
On the other hand, if Demetrius was the first librarian in Alexandria, he was probably appointed by Ptolemy I and then continued to work for Ptolemy II.
Aristeas could then be historically correct. It would also follow from such timing that the library was founded by Ptolemy I.
This chapter will examine the evidence in relation to the known historical facts concerning Demetrius and Zenodotus, and the textual evidence which is said to promote the claim of Zenodotus.
It will be shown that the historical facts support the claim of Demetrius, and the textual evidence not only fails to support Zenodotus, but actually promotes Demetrius in this role.
The Ages of Demetrius and Zenodotus Compared
Both Demetrius of Phalerum and Zenodotus of Ephesus lived in Alexandria under the rule of Ptolemy I.
Demetrius of Phalerum arrived in Alexandria after the death of Kassander in 298/7 BCE, soon after Ptolemy I officially became king of Egypt on 12th January 304 BCE, and lived in Alexandria at least until the death of Ptolemy,..
WHY THE IDENTITY OF THE FIRST LIBRARIAN IS IMPORTANT HERE
Who was the first librarian in the Library at Alexandria?
According to Aristeas, Demetrius of Phalerum was in charge of the library under Ptolemy II.1
But there are others who argue that Zenodotus of Ephesus first held this post under Ptolemy II.
The question is important for the discussion here.
Since Demetrius was considerably older than Zenodotus (their relative ages are discussed below), if
Zenodotus was the first librarian under Ptolemy II, Demetrius is unlikely to have occupied this post. Aristeas is then probably incorrect when he states that Demetrius was employed by Ptolemy II.
On the other hand, if Demetrius was the first librarian in Alexandria, he was probably appointed by Ptolemy I and then continued to work for Ptolemy II.
Aristeas could then be historically correct. It would also follow from such timing that the library was founded by Ptolemy I.
This chapter will examine the evidence in relation to the known historical facts concerning Demetrius and Zenodotus, and the textual evidence which is said to promote the claim of Zenodotus.
It will be shown that the historical facts support the claim of Demetrius, and the textual evidence not only fails to support Zenodotus, but actually promotes Demetrius in this role.
The Ages of Demetrius and Zenodotus Compared
Both Demetrius of Phalerum and Zenodotus of Ephesus lived in Alexandria under the rule of Ptolemy I.
Demetrius of Phalerum arrived in Alexandria after the death of Kassander in 298/7 BCE, soon after Ptolemy I officially became king of Egypt on 12th January 304 BCE, and lived in Alexandria at least until the death of Ptolemy,..