Apollodorus of Athens (Ἀπολλόδωρος ὁ Ἀθηναῖος) was a Greek scholar of the 2nd century BCE. He studied under the Stoic philosopher Diogenes of Babylon and the grammarian Aristarchus of Samothrace in Alexandria [1]. Following the expulsion of intellectuals from that city in 145 BCE, he moved to Pergamum and later to Athens [1][2]. His major chronological work was dedicated to Attalus II of Pergamon (r. 159–138 BCE), confirming his floruit. He is distinct from the later, pseudonymous author of the mythological Bibliotheca [1][3].

His principal works, all surviving only in fragments, include the Chronica (Χρονικά), a verse chronicle from the fall of Troy to his own time [1][2]; Peri theōn (Περὶ θεῶν), a euhemeristic treatise on the gods in at least 24 books [1][2]; and On the Catalogue of Ships (Περὶ τοῦ νεῶν καταλόγου), a geographical commentary on Homer [1][2]. Other scholarly commentaries are also attested [1][2].

Apollodorus was a significant Alexandrian scholar whose Chronica became a standard historical reference, influencing later chronographers [1][2]. His methods combined philology with antiquarian research, embodying Hellenistic scholarship and providing a key, if fragmentary, source for chronography and the study of myth.

Sources 1. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics: Apollodorus of Athens: https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-550 2. Encyclopædia Britannica: Apollodorus of Athens: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Apollodorus-of-Athens 3. Perseus Digital Library: Entry for Apollodorus (of Athens): http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0062:entry=apollodorus-bio-1&highlight=apollodorus%2Cathens