Posidonian physics: novelty or Stoic canon?

(On the issue whether Posidonius really was a ‘Stoic Platonist’)

Abstract

For a fairly long time Posidonius was regarded by historians of ancient philosophy as a somewhat mysterious figure, fashionable to deal with. He used to be considered a forerunner of that 'great synthesis' which prepared the rise of Neoplatonism (via Middle Platonism). A more exact examination of the basic physical texts of Posidonius, however, proves almost beyond doubt that in fact he was the most faithful Stoic and could play no role of importance in the coming 'Neoplatonic synthesis'.