Lysimachus the Historian (Λυσίμαχος ὁ Ἱστορικός) was an Alexandrian grammarian and mythographer active in the 3rd century BCE. He is distinguished as "Lysimachus of Alexandria" from the Diadochus of the same name. His work exemplifies the Hellenistic tradition of rationalizing Greek myth, though no further biographical details survive.

His fragmentary works, preserved through later citations, include the Nostoi on the returns of the Greek heroes from Troy, Aigyptiaka on Egyptian history and mythology, a treatise For Alexander defending Alexander the Great, and a critical work On the Poetical Composition of the Iliad and Odyssey [1][2].

Lysimachus is significant for his role in the transmission and rationalistic treatment of myth. He is notably cited in ancient ethnic polemics; Josephus quotes and refutes his hostile account of the Exodus in Against Apion, which portrayed the Jews as expelled for disease and misanthropy [1][2]. This illustrates his influence on later historical debates.

Sources 1. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Plato.stanford.edu): https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/antisemitism/#AcaAntJudHelPer 2. Perseus Digital Library (Tufts University): http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0063%3Aentry%3Dlys-imachus-harpers