Antagoras of Rhodes (Ἀνταγόρας ὁ Ῥόδιος) Life Antagoras of Rhodes was an epic poet of the early Hellenistic period, active in the 3rd century BCE. He was associated with the court of Antigonus II Gonatas of Macedon, a contemporary of figures like the philosopher Menedemus of Eretria and the poet Aratus of Soli [1]. Anecdotal evidence, such as a story about him cooking a conger eel while debating philosophy with Menedemus, places him within the intellectual and social life of the court [1][2].

Works His two known works are lost, surviving only in fragments and testimonia. He composed a Thebais (or Thebaid), an epic on the Seven against Thebes [1][2][3], and a Hymn to Love (Eros) in hexameter, mentioned by Diogenes Laertius [1][2].

Significance Antagoras represents the continuation of the Homeric epic tradition in the Hellenistic age, adapting mythological themes like the Theban cycle. His court association exemplifies the role of royal patronage in supporting poets. His inclusion in anecdotal histories by authors like Diogenes Laertius and Athenaeus confirms his status as a recognized figure in the literary traditions of antiquity [1][2].

Sources 1. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics (Oxford University Press): https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-469 2. Perseus Digital Library (Tufts University): http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0104%3Aentry%3Dantagoras-bio-1 3. ToposText (Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation): https://topostext.org/people/1410