The Diamerismos Tradition in Greek Historical Periodization

Abstract

Abstract This article aims to explore the origins of the inclusion of the diamerismos—the division of the earth between Noah’s sons—as epoche in Greek historical periodization. It is based on the assumption that supputationes are a basic element of Greek chronological literature, although neglected by recent research, and can be very useful as identifiers of chronological sources and traditions. Several Greek supputationes from the 3d to the 10th century will be addressed as evidence. There was no agreement on the inclusion of this epoche between Greek historians and chronologers, so the analysis is restricted to examples which include it. The origin of this situation can be traced to the conflation of Africanus and Eusebius in a chronicle work from Creation, with addition of other elements and possible updatings. The contribution of Africanus to this chronological scheme can be seen as a most essential element.