Dius the Historian of Phoenicia (Δῖος ὁ Φοίνικος)

Life Dius was a Hellenistic historian, likely active in the 3rd or 2nd century BCE. No biographical details survive; his existence and work are known solely from later citations. He is identified as a historian of Phoenicia [1][2].

Works His only known work is the lost Phoenician History (Φοινικικὴ ἱστορία), preserved in fragments. These fragments are transmitted through citations by Josephus in Against Apion and the Christian writer Tatian [1][2].

Significance Dius’s significance lies in his value as a source for Phoenician history and mythology, particularly concerning Tyre. The Jewish historian Josephus quoted him to correlate Phoenician king-lists with biblical chronology, using Dius to support the historical antiquity of the Jewish people [1][2]. His fragments preserve traditions about King Hiram of Tyre and his dealings with Solomon, exemplifying the local historiography of the Hellenistic period.

Sources 1. Perseus Digital Library (Tufts University): Entry for "Dius" in Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0104%3Aentry%3Ddius-bio-1 2. ToposText: Fragmentary Historians entry for Dius of Phoenicia. https://topostext.org/people/1435