Callixenus of Rhodes (Καλλίξενος ὁ Ῥόδιος) was a Hellenistic Greek periegete, or descriptive writer, from Rhodes active in the 3rd century BCE. His work indicates he had access to the Ptolemaic court in Alexandria, likely during the reigns of Ptolemy II Philadelphus or Ptolemy III Euergetes [1]. No further biographical details survive.

His known work is On Alexandria (Περὶ Ἀλεξανδρείας), a multi-volume account preserved only in fragments by later authors like Athenaeus. It contained detailed descriptions of the great Ptolemaieia festival, the grand procession of Ptolemy II Philadelphus, and the colossal ceremonial ship Thalamegos built by Ptolemy IV Philopator [1][2][3].

Callixenus is a significant fragmentary source for Ptolemaic cultural and political history. His detailed ekphrasis provides invaluable evidence for the opulence, ideological messaging, and spectacle of Ptolemaic court ceremonial, illustrating how the dynasty displayed its wealth and divine associations to legitimize rule [1][2]. His account of the Thalamegos also offers a unique technical record of ancient naval architecture and luxury [3].

Sources 1. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics: https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-1321 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%3Dcallixenus-bio-1 3. ToposText: https://topostext.org/people/1442