Craterus the Macedonian Historian (Κρατερὸς ὁ Μακεδὼν ἱστορικός)

Life Craterus was a Macedonian historian active in the late 4th to early 3rd centuries BCE. He is distinct from the general of Alexander the Great. His identification as a Macedonian and a collector of documents is recorded, but no further biographical details survive [1][2].

Works His known work is the Συναγωγὴ ψηφισμάτων (Synagōgē psēphismatōn), a "Collection of Decrees" [1][2]. This lost compilation of Athenian public decrees, arranged with historical commentary, survives only in fragments. It represents an early systematic use of epigraphical evidence.

Significance Craterus is a pivotal figure in the development of documentary history. His methodology of assembling and analyzing primary source inscriptions influenced later antiquarian research. His fragments, preserved through citation by authors like Plutarch, provide crucial evidence for classical Athenian political and legal history [1][2].

Sources 1. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics: https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-1886 2. Perseus Digital Library, Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0104%3Aentry%3Dcraterus-bio-2