Primary sourceBook1728

The Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms Amended

Isaac Newton · 1728

Newton's posthumously published 1728 attempt to date ancient civilizations using astronomy and scripture.

Newton's own historical treatise, showing his scholarly interests beyond science.

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Title page of The Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms Amended. Text reads: THE CHRONOLOGY OF ANCIENT KINGDOMS AMENDED, to which is prefix'd A Short Chronicle from the First Memory of Things in Europe, to the Conquest of Persia by Alexander the Great, by Sir Isaac Newton. London: Printed for J. Tonson in the Strand, and J. Osborn and T. Longman in Pater-noster Row. MDCCXXVIII. — Isaac Newton, The Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms Amended, 1728. London: J. Tonson, J. Osborn and T. Longman.

About this source

What it is

This is a book by Isaac Newton, published in 1728, shortly after his death. It was dedicated by John Conduitt, husband of Newton's niece, to Queen Caroline of Ansbach. The work traces the chronology of ancient civilizations including Greece, Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, the Medes, and Persia, and includes a description of the Temple of Solomon.

Why it matters

Newton tried to use astronomical calculations alongside biblical and classical sources to work out accurate dates for ancient history, treating some figures from Greek mythology as historical. The book shows Newton's wide-ranging interests beyond physics and mathematics, including history, scripture, and what some later called his occult studies. It was his last personally revised work.

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Why might a mathematician like Newton have turned his methods toward ancient history?
What does it suggest that Newton treated mythological figures as historical?
Why was this book published only after Newton died?

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