Arrian: Periplus Ponti Euxini (2003)

Arrian: Periplus Ponti Euxini was published in 2003 by Bristol Classical Press, an imprint of Duckworth & Co., which has since been taken over by Bloomsbury Publishing. The key document in this slim volume is an English translation of an ancient text written in Greek in AD 131 or 132: Arrian’s report about the Black Sea, written while he was governor of the Roman province Cappadocia (also known as Pontus). His report is cast as a letter to Hadrian, who ruled 117-138, and the Latin title is “Periplus Ponti Euxini,” which we can translate as “The Circumnavigation of the Black Sea.

In fact, Arrian did not circumnavigate the Black Sea, because he did not do the full circle. The first part of his letter is based on personal observations, his inspection tour, while the second and third parts are based on information he had received from other sources and other witnesses. For more details on this matter, see below.

Arrian’s letter is edited with an introduction, a translation and a commentary by Aidan Liddle, who read Classics at Oxford and who now works as a civil servant. Here is the table of contents (some headings have been slightly modified):

** Introduction:

** 1. Arrian’s career

** 2. Arrian’s literary achievement

** 3. The Periplus Ponti Euxini:

** (A) Structure and authenticity
** (B) Transmission

** 4. Conclusion

** Bibliography

** A Note on the Text

** ARRIAN: PERIPLUS PONTI EUXINI

** Parallel Text: Greek and English 

** Commentary
** Maps

Who is Arrian? And what does he have to say about the Black Sea?

Lucius Flavius Arrianus Xenophon, known in English as Arrian, was born in Nicomedia (today Izmit), which is only 70 km from Byzantium, later Constantinople, and today Istanbul. We do not know when he was born or when he died, but we think he was born around AD 86 and died around AD 160. He was not only a historian and a philosopher, but also a public servant and a military commander. While his first language was Greek, he also knew how to read and write Latin.

He met Hadrian and became a friend of his around AD 111-114, while Trajan still ruled the empire. Perhaps this is the reason why Hadrian later decided to appoint him as consul (129 or 130) and as governor of a Roman province. Arrian served as governor of Cappadocia for seven years, 131-138. He left his post shortly before Hadrian died.

For more information about this person, his life and his works, see Arrian of Nicomedia by Philip A. Stadter (1980). Obviously, this essential title is listed in Liddle’s bibliography.

Arrian’s letter was written in the beginning of his term as governor. Since 1846 most modern editors have divided the text into 25 chapters. The official dispatches written in Latin have not been preserved, but Arrian refers to them two times in his letter (which is written in Greek and which we still have today):

** In chapter 6 he says: “My opinion about this latter point I have written to you in the Latin report.”

** In chapter 10 he says: “The reason for this, and what we did there, my letter in Latin will explain to you.”

Apparently, the Latin dispatches were official and secret, while the Greek text was an open letter to Hadrian, which was circulated in antiquity. Perhaps this is why the Latin dispatches are lost, while the open letter has been preserved.

The structure of the document is a bit surprising. We would expect a description of the Black Sea to start at one point and then go full circle, clock-wise or counter-clockwise. But Arrian does not work this way. His letter is divided into three sections (the direction is always counter-clockwise):

** Part 1 **

Sailing from Trapezus (Trebizond) in the southeast to Sebastopolis (Dioscurias) in the northeast. This part is based on personal observations: his inspection tour. He speaks in the first person: “We sailed…” This part is the most detailed, the most accurate, and (in my opinion) the most lively (chapters 1-11).

** Part 2 **

Moving from Byzantium in the southwest to Trapezus in the southeast. This part is based on information from other sources. But it could also be based on his personal observations: when he had to take possession of his province, he probably sailed along this route. Whatever the case, he speaks in the third person: “There is…” This part is not as accurate as part one, but more precise than part three (chapters 12-16; chapter 17 is used as a “bridge” to the last part).

** Part 3 **

Moving from Sebastopolis in the northeast to Byzantium in the southwest. This part is definitely based on information from other sources. He speaks in the third person: “There is…” This part is not as detailed as the others, and it is the least accurate of the three parts (chapters 18-25).

Edward Gibbon refers to this document in volume 7 of his monumental study The History of the Fall and Decline of the Roman Empire. He notes the three-part structure of the text when he says it contains:

“whatever the governor of Pontus had seen, from Trebizond to Dioscurias [part 1]; whatever he had heard, from Dioscurias to the Danube [part 2]; and whatever he knew from the Danube to Trebizond [part 3].”

I should point out that this quotation from Edward Gibbon is not found in Liddle’s book.

It is obvious to compare this volume published in 2003 with Falconer’s translation and commentary published in 1805, almost two hundred years before: Arrian’s Voyage Round the Euxine Sea. The conclusion is clear: the new book is much better than the old. Here are three reasons why:

# 1. The new translation is better than the old. Moreover, Liddle provides a facing-page translation, with the Greek original on the left-hand pages and the English translation on the right-hand pages. It is easy to compare one with the other.

# 2. Liddle provides an excellent introduction, which places the ancient author and his text in a historical context.

# 3. The new commentary is more comprehensive and more systematic than the old. Whenever possible, Liddle provides the modern name of every river and town mentioned by Arrian. In addition, Liddle provides references to other ancient sources and to modern scholarship, for each river and each town, whenever this is possible.

The conclusion is no surprise. Liddle has the advantage of almost 200 years of scholarship since Falconer’s volume was published. It would be more surprising – indeed shocking – if the old volume from 1805 was better than the new book published in 2003.

In his introduction and in his commentary, Liddle covers geographical and historical aspects. He also tries to explain what Arrian says and why he says it. Here are four cases, based on four keywords:

The first keyword is Hadrian. Arrian addresses the Roman emperor several times. In chapter 1 he says:

“We looked down on the Euxine Sea from the very same spot as both Xenophon and you.”

In chapter 3 he says:

“That cohort of foot soldiers, as you know, also has 20 cavalry which is sufficient.”

In chapter 5 he says:

“… the ship’s timber, of which, as you know, there is a great abundance in the Euxine.”

In chapter 12 he says:

“These things that I tell you [here], you already know.”

Liddle explains that Arrian writes in this way in order to give his letter a personal touch and at the same time to remind Hadrian about his own visits to this part of the world in 123/124 and 129.

The second keyword is Xenophon. The Greek historian, who lived ca. 430-354 BC, is mentioned several times (for one example, see the passage just quoted from chapter 1). In the English text, he is sometimes referred to as “Xenophon the Elder” in order to distinguish him from Arrian, who has the same name. Liddle explains that Arrian writes in this way in order to show his connection with classical Greece.

The third keyword is barbarians. This word is used several times. In chapter 1, about a monument in Trapezus, Arrian says:

“The altars are already set up, though in rather rough stone, and as such the inscribed letters are not particularly clear; the Greek inscription is also inaccurately carved, as it was written by barbarians.”

In chapter 9, about the fort in Phasis, he says:

“And its foundations are firm, and war engines are installed – and in short, it is fully equipped to prevent any of the barbarians from even approaching it, let alone to protect the garrison there against the danger of a siege.”

In chapter 11 a warlike tribe is described as pirates, i.e. they are even worse than barbarians:

“They were also formerly liable for tribute to the Romans, although, being pirates, they are not anxious to pay their tribute. But nowadays, God willing, they will be, or we will exterminate them.”

Liddle explains that Arrian writes in this way in order to present himself as a loyal and efficient governor of his province (although his threat to exterminate the warlike tribe might have been beyond his powers).

The fourth keyword is ancient mythology. Ancient myths are mentioned several times. In chapter 9 Arrian mentions the legend of Jason and the Argonauts. In chapters 11 and 19 he mentions the legend of Prometheus. In chapters 21-23 he mentions the legend of the Greek hero Achilles and his friend Patroclus. Liddle explains why:

“Arrian here touchingly and subtly compares the intense grief of Hadrian following the death of his favourite Antinous in Egypt in 130 – only a year or two before – to that of Achilles for Patroclus.”

The bibliography contains books and articles in several languages, including the following:

** A French translation of the Periplus edited by Henry Chotard. According to Liddle, it was published in 1960. He is off by 100 years. It was published in 1860. Perhaps an unfortunate misprint?

** A new French translation of the Periplus edited by Alain Silberman and published in 1995.

** An Italian translation of the Periplus edited by Gerardo Marenghi and published in 1958

For some reason, Falconer’s English translation published in 1805 is not listed in the bibliography, but it is mentioned in the introduction, on page 33. According to Liddle, the text is translated by Thomas Falconer. The first name is wrong. The text is translated by William Falconer (1744-1824), while the book is edited by his son Thomas Falconer (1772-1839). Perhaps an oversight?

H. F. Pelham’s article about Arrian as governor of Cappadocia (published in 1896) is listed here, but Liddle fails to tell us that this article was reprinted in Essays on Roman History collected and edited by F. Haverfield (1911), pp. 212-233. Perhaps another oversight?

There are two maps at the end of the book: map # 1 (pp. 136-137) shows the western half of the Black Sea, while map # 2 (pp. 138-139) shows the eastern half. Both are useful, because (almost) all rivers and towns mentioned in Arrian’s letter are shown on these maps. I notice one exception: the River Tanais (today Don), which is mentioned in chapter 19, is not shown on the map.

It would have been even more helpful if the publisher had decided to print them as fold-out maps. In that case it would have been possible to view the maps and the text at the same time. As it is, you have to flip back and forth between the text and the maps. An easy solution to this problem is to make a photocopy of these four pages and place them next to the book.

There is no index.

Owen Hodkinson – from the University of Leeds – reviewed this book in Scholia Reviews (vol. 14, 2005). The review is available online (Academia.edu).

It is a positive review, except for a few minor points. I agree with Hodkinson. I like this book. All three parts – introduction, translation, and commentary – are well crafted, but I have to mention a few points which bother me. I do not want to say that Liddle has done anything wrong, but there are a few cases where his commentary is too brief; where relevant facts have been omitted.

CASE # 1

In chapter 14 Arrian mentions a town called Abonouteichos. He does not say much about it, but he does issue a warning for sailors:

“The mooring is not secure for ships; though they can ride at anchor without harm, unless a large storm blows up.”

Fortunately, Liddle has more information:

“Now Inebolu (from its later name of Ionopolis), this town was originally a Sinopean foundation, probably as a trading post.”

He adds a reference to an ancient source and a modern book. So far so good, but something is missing.

Abonouteichos is the birthplace of Alexander (ca. 105-ca. 170), who is often described as a false prophet. His oracle flourished during the reign of Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius. Lucian of Samosata (ca. 125-ca. 185) wrote an essay about him, which has been preserved. But neither Alexander nor Lucian is mentioned by Liddle.

It is relevant to mention Lucian, because he refers to Arrian, and his reference is found precisely in his essay about Alexander. Here is the context: Lucian explains that a friend has asked him to write an essay about Alexander, and he has done so. Now Lucian explains that both of them may be reproached: the friend for asking Lucian to write the essay, and Lucian for writing the essay, because a rascal does not deserve the attention of honest men. But Lucian has a good defence:

“If anyone reproaches us for this, we shall be able to quote a precedent, namely Arrian, the pupil of Epictetus, a Roman of the highest distinction, and a life-long devotee of letters… You see, he decided to write the life of Tilloborus the brigand.”

If Arrian could write a life of a brigand, then Lucian is allowed to write an essay about a false prophet. Unfortunately, Arrian’s life of the brigand has not been preserved.

As for the name of the brigand, some scholars think Tillorobus is more correct. For more information on this issue, see Bandits in the Roman Empire by Thomas Grünewald (2004, 2008), page 6 with note 17 on pp. 168-169, as well as Arrian of Nicomedia by Philip Stadter, page 162 with note 81 on page 239.

CASE # 2

In chapter 20 Arrian mentions the river Borysthenes and the Greek city called Olbia. He does not provide any details about them. Fortunately, Liddle has more information: the river Borysthenes is now the Dnieper, while Olbia is now the town of Parutino. He adds a few references to ancient sources and to modern scholarship. So far so good, but something is missing.

Dio of Prusa - also known as Dio Chrysostom (ca. 45-115) - visited Olbia (sometimes called Borysthenes after the river) around AD 97. In Oratio # 36, he talks about his experiences in this town. Dio was a famous orator, but Liddle does not connect him with this place. This omission is all the more surprising because Dio is mentioned two times in the introduction (pp. 15 and 17). Liddle is aware of him, but fails to connect him with this specific location on the Black Sea coast.

For more information about the Greek orator from Prusa, see Dio Chrysostom edited by Simon Swain (2000, 2002).

CASE # 3

In chapter 24 Arrian mentions Tomis. But he does not provide any details about it. Fortunately, Liddle has more information:

“Tomis, now the important Romanian port of Constanta, is perhaps the most famous of the Greek colonies of the west coast of the Black Sea, due to its most reluctant resident, Ovid.”

It is good that he mentions the poet, but something is missing: Liddle does not discuss why Arrian fails to mention Ovid. Perhaps because the poet was sent into exile here by a previous emperor, Augustus?

For more information about this issue, see Ovid in Exile by Adrian Radulescu. Since this book was published in 2002, it could have been included by Liddle, whose preface is dated June 2003.

The flaws I have mentioned in this review are real and important, but I think they must be considered minor.

Arrian’s Periplus is “a strange and disparate work,” as Liddle says in his introduction, because it is “part military and diplomatic report, part fantastic mythological guidebook, [and] part friendly correspondence” (page 2).

Towards the end of his introduction, Liddle raises an important question: “In the final analysis, then, why should Arrian’s Periplus warrant attention at all, let alone a new edition and translation?” His answer is quite long, because it comes in four stages. It is too long to quote here, but I can quote the fourth and final stage:

“Above all, written by a man who was perhaps the most representative of the culture of his age, it affords us an epitome of that culture in a tightly packed nutshell. It is a nutshell well worth opening.”

I agree with him.

Arrian: Periplus Ponti Euxini is an excellent book about an interesting document. Liddle’s introduction, translation and commentary are all examples of good scholarship. Therefore this slim volume is highly recommended.

PS. Here are some useful references:

** Black Sea by Neal Ascherson (1995, 2007)

** The Black Sea: A History by Charles King (2004)

** Rome and the Black Sea Region edited by Tønnes Bekker-Nielsen (2007)

** Tim Rood, “Black Sea Variations: Arrian’s Periplus,” Cambridge Classical Journal, vol. 57, 2011, pp. 137-163.

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Arrian: Periplus Ponti Euxini,

Edited with Introduction, Translation & Commentary by Aidan Liddle,

Bristol Classical Press, 2003, 139 pages

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