Sosthenes of Cnidus (Σωσθένης ὁ Κνίδιος)

Life Sosthenes of Cnidus was a Greek historian known only from a single citation by the Roman author Aulus Gellius [1]. He was active in the 4th century BCE, as his work concerned Philip II of Macedon (reigned 359–336 BCE). No other biographical details survive.

Works His sole attested work is the lost History of Philip (Ἱστορίαι περὶ Φιλίππου), referenced in Aulus Gellius' Attic Nights (9.3) [1]. No fragments or descriptions of its content are extant.

Significance Sosthenes is a minor figure, significant only as one of several lost historians who documented the rise of Macedon under Philip II. His work would have offered a contemporary perspective, but its complete loss prevents any assessment of its historical value or style.

Sources 1. Perseus Digital Library (Tufts University): https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A2007.01.0083%3Abook%3D9%3Achapter%3D3 (Aulus Gellius, Attic Nights 9.3, referencing Sosthenes)