Leo of Byzantium (Λέων ὁ Βυζάντιος) was a historical writer from the city of Byzantium who lived during the 4th century BCE. No specific biographical details about his life are recorded [1][2]. His work is situated within the context of Byzantium’s involvement in major 4th-century conflicts, such as the Social War, and likely provided a local perspective on these events [1][2].

His only known work is the History of Byzantium (Ἱστορίαι or Περὶ Βυζαντίου), which is now lost and known only through fragments and later references [1][2].

Leo is significant as one of the earliest practitioners of local history (horography). His work was used as a source by later historians and geographers, including Strabo, for information on the foundation and history of Byzantium [1][2]. The citations from his lost history provide valuable fragmentary evidence for the early historiography of the Black Sea region.

Sources 1. Perseus Digital Library (Tufts University): http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0062%3Aentry%3Dleo-bio-1&highlight=leo%2Cbyzantium 2. ToposText (Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation): https://topostext.org/people/1410