ABSTRACT
The works of Ctesias and Megasthenes present two ostensibly factual descriptions of India. Their depictions of this region follow Herodotus in his presentation of India as a land of wonders, and even move creatures he placed elsewhere into the region. This sense of India as marvellous is underlined by the supernatural colours and sounds of the resident fauna. However, Ctesias and Megasthenes make much more use of human-like monsters than Herodotus. As the bodies of these creatures are associated with abnormal versions of behaviours which define cultural identity (eating habits, sexual activity, speech) their monstrosity acts a physical manifestation of extreme foreignness. The shifting location of these peoples highlights the changing relationship between Greece and India, and the increasing knowledge of this region among Greek authors. However, the continued use of fantastical creatures and mythological tropes indicates the persistence of generic convention and preconceived ideas in the presentation of this area.
