Chilonis Letters (Χιλωνίδος Ἐπιστολή)

Life No biographical information exists for an author named Chilonis. The name Χιλωνίς is historically associated with Spartan princesses, including a daughter of Leotychidas II and, more prominently, the daughter of Leonidas II and wife of Cleombrotus II in the 3rd century BCE [1][2]. These figures are not attested as authors.

Works The sole attributed work is Chilonis's Letter (Χιλωνίδος Ἐπιστολή), an epistolary text. Its existence and attribution are unconfirmed in standard scholarly sources.

Significance The literary significance of Chilonis's Letter is indeterminable due to a lack of evidence. The historical Chilonis, wife of Cleombrotus II, is noted for her act of conjugal loyalty by choosing exile with her deposed husband, making her a memorable figure in Spartan history [2]. This renown, however, pertains solely to her historical role, not to any authorship.

Sources 1. Perseus Digital Library, "Chilonis" entry in Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0104%3Aentry%3Dchilonis-bio-1 2. Encyclopædia Britannica, "Sparta" entry (section on Agis IV and Cleomenes III): https://www.britannica.com/place/Sparta 3. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Searched for "Chilonis" – no results. 4. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Searched for "Chilonis" – no results. 5. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics: Searched for "Chilonis" – no results. 6. World History Encyclopedia: Searched for "Chilonis" – no results. 7. ToposText: Searched for "Chilonis" – returns references to the historical Spartan figures within primary texts, not as an author.