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Callimachus of Cyrene- Hellenistic Greek Poet

By , About.com Guide

Callimachus of Cyrene, who worked at the Library at Alexandria, wrote a list (known as the Pinakes) of the important names in literature. In addition to providing a look at the other illustrious ancient writers, Callimachus himself was the greatest poet of the Hellenistic era. He was also prolific. According to the Suda, Callimachus wrote more than 800 books in prose and verse.

Dates:

We don't have exact dates for Callimachus but he is believed to have been at his peak between about 280 and 245 B.C.

Occupation:

Poet

Field:

Callimachus wrote poetry (including iambics and epigrams) and prose. As a scholar, he also composed a list of the major literary pieces and their writers.

Location:

Callimachus was from Cyrene, Libya. See section Gg on Map of the Roman Empire.

Related Resources:

Meter in Greek and Latin Poetry

References:

The Cambridge History of Classical Literature Volume I Part 4 - "The Hellenistic Period and the Empire," edited by P.E Easterling and B.M.W. Knox. 1989.

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