Was Machiavelli's "The Prince" inspired by Sun Tzu's "The Art of War"?

by matildemp

Both do deal with using the situation to one's favour in order to win conflicts, as well as hinting at opportunism and discipline as being key factors in one's victory. Was just wondering whether the former was inspired by the latter, or if they were just coincidentally matching commentaries.

DeSoulis

No, Sun Tzu's art of war was not translated into a western language until the 18th century, which was centuries after Machiavelli died. Therefore was Machivaelli could not have read it.