Critolaus of Phaselis (Κριτόλαος ὁ Φασηλίτης) was a Hellenistic historian of the 2nd century BCE. He is known only from fragmentary references, identified by his origin in the Lycian city of Phaselis [1]. No details of his life or education survive.

He is credited with a single lost work, the History of Phocis (or Phocian History). It is cited solely by the travel writer Pausanias, who references Critolaus for a casualty figure during the Third Sacred War (356–346 BCE) [1][2].

His significance rests on being a representative of Hellenistic local historiography. His use by Pausanias indicates his work was considered a reliable authority on Phocian affairs, though its full scope is otherwise unknown.

Sources 1. Perseus Digital Library: Pausanias, Description of Greece 10.3.3 (Tufts University): http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Paus.+10.3.3&fromdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0160 2. ToposText: Critolaus of Phaselis (Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation): https://topostext.org/people/1643