ANACHAR'SIS, a Scythian and brother of king Saulios, visited Athens in the time of Solon, with whom lie lived on terms of intimacy, hut whose abilities for framing a con stitution he does not seem to have estimated highly. Incited by a love of learning, lie subsequently traveled through several countries. On account of his clearness of under standing, he was numbered among the seven wise men ; and many sagacious proverbs and sayings were ascribed to him. No other "barbarian" ever received the Athenian fran chise. The letters which bear his name were written long after his time. It is said that, after his return to his native land, he was put to death by order of the king, who feared the introduction of the mysteries belonging to the Greek religion, in which it was sup posed that A. had been initiated.
Under the title, Voyage du Jenne AnaMarsie en Gr?ce (Travels of the young Anachar sis in Greece), Jean Jacques Barthelemy, a well-known French author (q.v.), wrote a
description of Greek life and manners, displaying learning and good taste, but disfigured by many anachronisms. A. is made to visit Athens only a few years before the birth of Alexander the great, and the features of several distinct periods in Grecian history are confusedly regarded as having been contemporaneous. The book, therefore, will not bear a critical examination; but it has contributed its share towards an improved knowl edge of ancient life, and has given rise to several similar works, such as the Gallus and Charides of Becker. The A. of Barthelemy has been translated into English, and is to be found in most old libraries; it is still a deservedly esteemed work, which may be read with advantage by the young.