Euphorion of Chalcis (Εὐφορίων ὁ Χαλκιδεύς)

Life Euphorion was a Hellenistic poet and scholar from Chalcis in Euboea, active in the mid-3rd century BCE. His career was spent in the service of powerful patrons: first as librarian for Alexander, tyrant of Corinth, and later as head of the public library in Antioch under King Antiochus the Great [1]. These positions place him within the courtly and intellectual networks of the Hellenistic successor kingdoms.

Works His extensive output survives only in fragments. A prolific writer of learned hexameter verse, his known works include Chiliades ("Thousands"), Hesiod, and Mopsopia [1]. His poetry was characterized by obscure mythological references, rare words, and a dense, erudite style designed for a highly educated audience [1].

Significance Euphorion was a major figure in Hellenistic poetry, renowned for his difficult and allusive style. He became a model for later poets like Parthenius of Nicaea and influenced Roman neoterics such as Cinna and Catullus [1]. His work exemplifies the period's fusion of poetic creativity with philological scholarship, and his influence persisted into the Roman era.

Sources 1. Encyclopædia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Euphorion-of-Chalcis 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%3Deuphorion-bio-1 3. ToposText: https://topostext.org/people/1430