Life Dionysius the Brazen (Διονύσιος ὁ Χαλκοῦς) was an Athenian poet of the 5th century BCE. His epithet likely refers either to his profession as a bronze-smith or to the shameless nature of his verse [1]. He is known solely from Aristotle’s Rhetoric, which cites him as an example of a poet whose slanderous, abusive poetry (ψόγος) led to prosecution under Athenian law [1][2].

Works No titles of his works survive. Aristotle’s reference confirms he composed abusive poems, which were evidently so defamatory they resulted in legal action against him [1][2].

Significance Dionysius represents the legal limits of free speech and invective poetry in classical Athens. His prosecution illustrates the social boundaries surrounding defamation, even within the established tradition of iambic blame poetry. Aristotle uses him as a case study on the consequences of slander [1][2].

Sources 1. Perseus Digital Library: Aristotle, Rhetoric, Book 3, Chapter 17, Section 1418b (Tufts University): http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0060%3Abook%3D3%3Achapter%3D17%3Asection%3D1418b 2. ToposText: Aristotle, Rhetoric 3.17 (Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation): https://topostext.org/work/29#1418b