Glaucus the Historian (Γλαῦκος ὁ Ἱστορικός) was a Hellenistic author of the 2nd century BCE from Rhegium in southern Italy [1]. His existence is confirmed solely by a citation from the grammarian Didymus Chalcenterus, who worked in the late 1st century BCE, establishing Glaucus as a predecessor [1][2]. No other biographical details survive.

His only known work is the lost treatise On Ancient Poets and Musicians (Περὶ τῶν ἀρχαίων ποιητῶν καὶ μουσικῶν) [1][2]. Surviving fragments indicate it was a scholarly work of literary and musical history.

Glaucus’s significance rests entirely on his utility as a source for later scholars. His work was used by Didymus and likely influenced subsequent Alexandrian grammarians [1][2]. The fragments provide minor evidence for ancient scholarship on poetry and music, and he is occasionally cited in modern studies of Alexandrian sources and ancient music historiography [1].

Sources 1. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics: Glaucus of Rhegium: https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-2857 2. Perseus Digital Library, Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology: Glaucus (Literary) 4.: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0104%3Aentry%3Dglaucus-bio-4