Καλλισθένης
Kallisthenes, Callisthenes
Translated by David Whitehead4 Dec 2001Vetting: high7 revisions
Translation
Son of Diotimos, though some [say] of Kallisthenes; of Olynthos;1; pupil and nephew of Aristotle, who arranged for him to be in the entourage of Alexander [the Great] of Macedon.2 Alexander put [him] in an iron cage and killed him at the same time as Nearchos the tragedian,3 because he was one of those advising Alexander not to seek to be called master by [the] Athenians. But some say that he was killed, at the same time as Nearchos, for plotting against Alexander.4 [He was] naturally impulsive, and [was said] to be motivated by great passion.
And a story is told that Kallisthenes ruined his life because of an eruption and pullulation of fleas. Witness this iambic line: "and flea-ridden, like the former Kallisthenes".5 [He was] speaking of medical expertise, [about] how badly he was neglected.
And a story is told that Kallisthenes ruined his life because of an eruption and pullulation of fleas. Witness this iambic line: "and flea-ridden, like the former Kallisthenes".5 [He was] speaking of medical expertise, [about] how badly he was neglected.