Andron of Ephesus the Historian (Ἄνδρων ὁ Ἐφέσιος)

Life Andron of Ephesus was a Greek historian from Ephesus in Ionia, active in the 4th century BCE [1]. No biographical details survive. The epithet “the Historian” distinguishes him from the later Peripatetic philosopher of the same name [1][2].

Works He is known solely for his lost work, the Tripod (Τρίπους), a chronicle of victors in athletic and musical contests organized around the awarded tripods [1][2]. Surviving only in fragments, it served as an early source for Greek chronology, particularly for dating events prior to the first Olympiad [1].

Significance Andron was an important early chronographer. His Tripod was used by later historians like Eratosthenes and Apollodorus to establish timelines for Greek mythical and early historical events [1]. His work represents an early systematic attempt at historical chronology based on victor lists.

Sources 1. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics: https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-390 2. Perseus Digital Library, Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0104%3Aentry%3Dandron-bio-1