person
Clitarchus of Alexandria
Clitarchus
also: Clitarchus, Clitarche
Greek historian (early 3rd century BC), author of a widely-read but sensationalist history of Alexander the Great, frequently cited but also criticised by ancient scholars for unreliability. Cicero mentions him as having told Caelius the story of Alexander's victory over Darius at Issus (Fam. 2.10).
Reading notes
- Ad Familiares 2.10 §3 Clitarchus told you Darius was overcome by Alexander
Clitarchus of Alexandria was the most popular Hellenistic historian of Alexander the Great, known for sensationalism rather than accuracy. Cicero seems to have met him in person, or he had told Caelius this anecdote; the Battle of Issus (333 BC) was fought on the very plain below the Amanus mountains.