Life Ctesiphon Historicus (Κτησιφῶν ὁ Ἱστορικός) was a Greek historian of the 4th century BCE. No biographical details survive. The epithet “the Historian” distinguishes him from other figures named Ctesiphon, such as the Athenian politician referenced by Demosthenes [1].

Works He is known solely for one work: the Sikelika or Sicilian History (Σικελικὰ/Σικελικὴ ἱστορία). This history of Sicily survives only in a single fragment preserved by Athenaeus, which describes the luxurious drinking vessels of Dionysius I, tyrant of Syracuse [1][2].

Significance Ctesiphon is a minor figure in Greek historiography, representing the genre of local Sicilian history. His fragment is valued for its anecdotal depiction of Syracusan courtly excess rather than for historical narrative, illustrating the diverse and fragmentary nature of Greek historical writing beyond major authors [1][2].

Sources 1. Perseus Digital Library, "Ctesiphon (2)," from Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0104%3Aentry%3Dctesiphon-bio-2 2. ToposText, "Ctesiphon (historian)": https://topostext.org/people/1480