Antiquity Studies

Series | Antiquity Studies
Edited book | Wine Cultures
Chapter | Strabo on Wine in Ancient India

Strabo on Wine in Ancient India

Abstract
In book 15 of his Geography, Strabo presents a portrayal of Central Asia and India heavily influenced by accounts provided by Megasthenes and historians of Alexander the Great, such as Onesicritus. Strabo intermittently incorporates observations regarding winemaking and consumption in India, along with references to the association of these regions with Dionysus and his civilising influence. This contribution seeks to scrutinise the evidence presented by Strabo regarding vine cultivation and wine production in India, drawing upon the description of Musikanos’ kingdom and the utopian context in which information related to wine is situated.


Open access

Submitted: Jan. 22, 2024 | Accepted: June 13, 2024 | Published Oct. 8, 2024 | Language: en

Keywords MusikanosOnesicritusUtopiaRoman GeographyGreek GeographyWinemaking


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