Introduction. Nicolaus of Damascus: The Life of Augustus and the Autobiography

A rare glimpse into the life and career of Nicolaus of Damascus, a first-century BCE scholar from Damascus, reveals his elite lineage, education, and significant role at the court of Herod the Great. Through excerpts from his autobiography and Josephus' accounts, researchers have uncovered insights into Nicolaus' relationships with key historical figures like Herod and Augustus, as well as his nuanced perspectives on political assassinations and power dynamics during this pivotal period. This study provides one of the earliest pieces of evidence for the social and cultural character of Damascus, offering a unique window into its intellectual milieu.

(Ed.). (2016). Introduction. Nicolaus of Damascus: ≪I>the Life of Augustus and ≪I>the Autobiography, 1–64. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781139871839.002