* Definition of "encyclopedia": The concept of a comprehensive work encompassing all knowledge has evolved over time. Early encyclopedias might not have been called such, and their scope may differ from what we consider an encyclopedia today.
* Surviving evidence: Many ancient works that could be considered encyclopedias are lost or only survive in fragments.
However, some candidates for the oldest encyclopedia include:
* The *Suda* (10th century AD): This Byzantine lexicon is a vast collection of information, including historical accounts, biographical sketches, and explanations of words and phrases. It's considered a significant encyclopedia of its time.
* The *Etymologiae* by Isidore of Seville (7th century AD): While not a full encyclopedia, this book covered a wide range of topics, including history, geography, astronomy, and the arts. It was highly influential in the medieval world.
* Ancient Chinese works: Chinese scholars developed encyclopedic works long before the Western world. Some of the earliest known examples include the *Erya* (around 3rd century BC), which categorized plants and animals, and the *Huainanzi* (2nd century BC), which covered philosophy, history, and the natural world.
While pinpointing the absolute oldest encyclopedia is tricky, these examples offer a glimpse into the evolution of encyclopedic knowledge through history.