Anaxippus was an Athenian comic poet active in the late 4th century BCE, during the early Hellenistic period. He wrote in the style of New Comedy, a genre that focused on domestic stories and everyday characters rather than political satire. The exact years of his life are unknown, but records place his theatrical activity around the 320s BCE, making him a contemporary of the more famous playwright Menander.

As an Athenian citizen, Anaxippus competed in the city’s major dramatic festival, the City Dionysia. Official inscriptions from Athens confirm that he was a participant and victor in these competitions. Very little of his work survives today. He is credited with two comedies, titled Hērōs (“The Hero”) and Neottis (which may mean “The Young Bride” or “The Bird-Catcher”). Only a few lines from these plays remain, preserved by later ancient writers.

According to modern scholars, Anaxippus represents a minor but documented figure in the history of Greek comedy. His primary significance lies in his appearance in the official festival records, which helps historians map the theatrical landscape of his time. Although his fragments are scarce, they contribute to the broader understanding of New Comedy’s themes and style. This genre, which emphasized romance and family dynamics, would later serve as a major influence on Roman comic playwrights.