Simmias (explorer) facts for kids

Simmias was an important Greek officer who worked for Ptolemy III Euergetes, the king of Ancient Egypt. King Ptolemy sent Simmias on a special mission to explore the coasts of the Red Sea and the lands of Ethiopia.

Who Was Simmias?

Simmias was a trusted officer in the powerful Ptolemaic Kingdom. This kingdom was ruled by the Ptolemy family, who were Greek kings of Egypt after the time of Alexander the Great. As an officer, Simmias likely helped manage parts of the kingdom or led military groups. His role shows he was a skilled and reliable person.

Exploring the Red Sea

King Ptolemy III was very interested in trade and expanding his kingdom's influence. He sent Simmias to explore the shores of the Red Sea. This was a very important trade route in ancient times. Simmias also explored the coasts of Ethiopia, a region known for its valuable resources. These explorations helped the Egyptian kingdom learn more about distant lands. They also helped them find new trade partners and resources.

Simmias's Discoveries and Legacy

Simmias's journeys were very important for understanding the ancient world's geography. Much of the information he gathered was later used by a famous geographer named Agatharchides. Agatharchides wrote detailed descriptions of the Red Sea and its surrounding areas. He relied on Simmias's firsthand accounts and observations. This means Simmias was not just an explorer but also a key source of knowledge for later historians and geographers. His work helped map out parts of the world that were not well known at the time.