eul_aid: cks
Ἀντίδοτος ὁ Κωμικός
Antidotus the Comic Poet
2 works

Antidotus was a comic poet active in Athens during the 4th century BCE, a period of transition in Greek comedy. He is considered a figure of Middle Comedy, a style that moved away from the direct political satire of earlier Old Comedy toward more generalized social humor and themes from daily life. Almost nothing is known about his personal life.

His work survives only in fragments. According to the later writer Athenaeus, Antidotus wrote at least two comedies: Progonē ("The Ancestress" or "Granddaughter") and Stratiotēs ("The Soldier"). A few lines from each are preserved, often mentioning food and social types, which aligns with the interests of Middle Comedy.

Antidotus's historical importance lies in his role as one of many fragmentary comic poets. While not a major figure himself, the study of writers like Antidotus helps modern scholars piece together the broader landscape of Athenian theater. His surviving lines contribute to our understanding of how comedy evolved in the 4th century, highlighting its shift toward parodying character types and everyday social life.

Available Works

Ἀποσπάσματα περὶ Ἰάσεως
Fragments on Healing
7 passages
Ἀποσπάσματα περὶ Τέχνης Παρασιτισμοῦ
Fragments on the Art of Parasitism
6 passages

Sources