Life Hermias of Cyrene (Ἑρμείας ὁ Κυρηναῖος) was a Hellenistic poet of the 3rd century BCE. He is an obscure figure, and no biographical details about his life survive beyond his origin in the Greek colony of Cyrene in North Africa.

Works His only known work is the satirical poem The Apology for the Dogs (Ἀπολογία τῶν κυνῶν), which survives in fragments.

Significance Hermias's significance rests entirely on this poem, a notable example of Hellenistic animal satire. It parodies Platonic dialogue to mock the Stoic philosopher Zeno of Citium and his followers by having dogs present a philosophical defense. The work provides valuable insight into the use of satire for intellectual debate and the contemporary reception of Stoicism.

Sources * Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology: Brief entry identifying him as author of Απολογία κυνῶν. * ToposText: Author entry listing his work and fragmentary text. * Suda On Line: Entry confirming he wrote a mock-defense for dogs.