[Avodah] Vashti

[Moshe Yehuda Gluck]

MYG:
"The Chasimas HaTalmud wasn't all that long after the story of the Megillah.
The secular world has records from 500 years ago (think Colombus, Magna
Carta, Crusades, etc.). Probably Chazal had either written records or an
oral tradition as to what happened - that she was evil, that she grew a
tail, etc.

R' David Cohen: 
I may be in error, but I think from Megilla to Chatimat hatulmud is 900-1000
years, not 500. 
However, from Megillah to the time of the Tanaim (both pre and post Churban)
is closer, 500-600 years.


The error is mine - I had in mind Churban Bayis Sheini. Be that as it may,
the Gemara is quoting a Beraisa, presumably significantly before Chasimas
HaTalmud. We certainly have traditions and history that are that old, Leif
Ericson, the Crusades, Magna Carta, the Holy Roman Empire, etc.

KT,
MYG