Yahya of Antioch

Yahya of Antioch, known in Arabic as Yaḥya ibn Saʿīd al-Anṭākī, was a prominent Melkite Christian physician and historian who lived during the 11th century. His early life likely began in Fatimid Egypt, where he pursued a career in medicine. However, the oppressive anti-Christian policies under Caliph Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah compelled him to seek refuge in the Byzantine-held city of Antioch.

In Antioch, Yahya made significant contributions to historical literature, most notably through his chief work, a continuation of Eutychius' Annals. This extensive historical account spans from the year nine hundred thirty-eight to one thousand thirty-four, drawing from a diverse array of sources. His writings provide valuable insights into the events that shaped the Byzantine Empire, Egypt, Bulgaria, and the Kievan Rus'.

Beyond his historical endeavors, Yahya was also an active theologian. He authored several works defending Christianity and engaging in theological debates against Islam and Judaism. His intellectual legacy continued long after his death around one thousand sixty-six, with his history being published, edited, and translated into French in nineteen twenty-four by I. Kratchkovsky and A. Vasiliev.

Further translations of his work have emerged over the years, including an Italian version in nineteen ninety-seven by Bartolomeo Pirone, a Polish translation included in a two thousand fifteen Ph.D. thesis by Maciej Czyż, and a partial Russian translation by Viktor von Rosen. An English translation purportedly by J. H. Forsyth in nineteen seventy-seven is, however, primarily a study rather than a direct translation.