The Geography of Pappus of Alexandria: A Translation of the Armenian Fragments

Abstract

pAPPUS OF ALEXANDRIA, the noted Greek geometer, probably flourished in the time of Diocletian-at the turn of the third century A.D. His most famous work is the Mathematical Collection (MaOCJXTUC1)K' 2vVoycXyi), the greater part of which is still extant. He also wrote a commentary on Euclid's Elements, part of which has come down to us in an Arabic translation, as well as commentaries on Ptolemy's Almagest and Harmonics, both of which have been lost. Most intriguing of all his works, however, is his lost Geography (Xopoypceot O1OKVE11KVW), known only from the Byzantine dictionary of Suidas' until an Armenian adaptation of it was published in 1683.2 The significance of this Armenian Geography (Asxarhac 'oyc') for students of Pappus of Alexandria has been obscured for decades by lengthy debates over its date and authorship and by the fact that despite the Armenian redactor's specific statement that his work is based on the Geography of Pappus, specialists have spent considerable time attempting to prove-or disprove-that the redactor worked directly from Ptolemy. 3 In a recent study I have attempted to demonstrate that on the basis of internal evidence the Armenian Geography dates from between c. 615 and c. 636 A.D. and that it was written byAnanias of Sirak (c. 590-c. 670), the onlyArmenian author of the seventh century known to possess the necessary education and interests to undertake such a work-an idea which must now be revised.4 I also attempted to show that despite his