Aeschrion of Samos was an iambic poet of the 4th century BCE, a contemporary of Aristotle and possibly Alexander the Great. The sole biographical notice comes from the 10th-century Suda, which identifies him as a Samian writer of iambics.
His work survives only in fragments. The Suda credits him with two works: Iamboi and Paignia, or "Playful Verses". The few extant lines, preserved by authors like Athenaeus, include a fragment defending the famous courtesan Phryne from impiety charges, indicating Aeschrion’s connection to prominent social circles of his era.
Aeschrion represents a later phase of the iambic tradition. His fragment concerning Phryne provides a valuable contemporary poetic perspective on a notable historical trial. Though the scant remains limit full literary assessment, his work contributes to the understanding of Hellenistic iambic poetry and its social context.
Available Works
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