Life Pherenicus of Heraclea (Φερένικος ὁ Ἡρακλεώτης) is known solely from a brief entry in the Byzantine encyclopedia, the Suda, which identifies him as a poet from Heraclea, likely Heraclea Pontica [1]. No biographical details survive. The suggested Hellenistic date (3rd–1st century BCE) is plausible given the genre of his work.

Works His only attested work is the lost epic poem Persica (Περσικά) [1]. The title indicates its subject concerned Persian history or mythology.

Significance Pherenicus represents the minor Hellenistic genre of historical epic. His Persica belongs to a tradition of Greek works on Persian themes, alongside authors like Herodotus and Choerilus of Samos [2]. His scant attestation exemplifies the multitude of lost authors from antiquity, highlighting the scope of literary activity despite the irrecoverable nature of his work.

Sources 1. Suda, phi 214 Adler: Perseus Digital Library (Tufts University): https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0054%3Aentry%3D%2323540 2. Choerilus of Samos: Encyclopædia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Choerilus-of-Samos