Hecataeus of Abdera

Lived in the fourth and third centuries B.C. Ancient Greek historian who lived in Egypt during the reign of Ptolemy I.

Hecataeus of Abdera was the author of several works, including On the Hyperboreans, fragments of which have been preserved; On the Poetry of Homer and Hesiod, which has not been preserved; and History of Egypt, fragments of which remain. Hecataeus’ History of Egypt is an original philosophical Utopia, in which he describes a harmonious state headed by a benevolent king and priests who are guardians of wise laws. Hecataeus extolled the significance of Egyptian culture and declared that all ancient culture had its source in Egypt.