The Historical Library of Diodorus the Sicilian/Book II/Preface

by Diodorus Siculus

Preface

The former book, (being the first of the whole), contains the affairs of Egypt; among which are related what is fabulously reported of the gods of Egypt, and what strange and wonderful accounts are given of the nature of the Nile, and other things concerning that river. We have spoken there likewise of the land of Egypt, their ancient kings, and their several actions; and have added the building of the pyramids, reckoned amongst the seven wonders of the world. We have likewise set forth their laws and courts of justice, and the strange adoration of beasts in Egypt. Lastly, the manner of their burials, and the Greeks that were famous for learning, and travelling into Egypt, and brought over from thence many useful and profitable arts and sciences into Greece. In this next book we shall describe the things done in Asia in antient times, beginning with the Assyrian empire.