Library of History, Volume V

This work, divided into three parts, covers mythical history to the Trojan War, history until Alexander's death, and extends to 54 BC, preserving valuable details and fragments from various sources.

Library of History, Volume V is part of Diodorus Siculus's extensive work on world history, which is divided into three main sections. The first covers mythical history leading up to the Trojan War, the second focuses on events up to the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, and the third continues to 54 BC. While the complete texts of Books 1–5 and 11–20 are preserved, the remaining portions exist only in fragments.

Diodorus, a Greek historian from Agyrium in Sicily, composed a total of forty books, drawing from various sources to present a comprehensive narrative of both Greek and non-Greek histories. His work is notable for its uncritical compilation of information, yet he utilized reliable sources and faithfully reproduced their accounts. This approach provides a valuable perspective on historical events and figures, particularly those details that may not be found in other historical texts.

Volume V specifically contributes to the understanding of Greek history from 480 to 302 BC, a critical period marked by significant political and military developments. Diodorus's writings are particularly important as they preserve information from now-lost works by historians such as Ephorus and Timaeus. The Loeb Classical Library edition of Diodorus Siculus, which includes this volume, offers readers access to these essential historical accounts, enriching our understanding of ancient civilizations.