Philemon the Younger (Φιλήμων ὁ νεώτερος) was a Hellenistic comic playwright active during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285–246 BCE) [1][2]. He is distinguished from the major New Comedy poet Philemon by his epithet and is identified in the Suda as that poet’s son [1][2]. This connection places him within the theatrical circles of Athens and possibly Alexandria.

The Suda credits him with two comedies: Homoia (“The Resemblance”) and Paidion (“The Little Child”) [1][2]. Both works are lost, and no fragments survive, but their titles suggest themes of family and situation typical of New Comedy.

His significance lies primarily in his genealogical link to a principal figure of New Comedy, illustrating the continuation of the dramatic tradition within a family. His recorded existence in ancient sources like the Suda helps map the comic landscape, though the complete loss of his work prevents assessment of his individual contribution [1][2].

Sources 1. Suda Encyclopedia (Suda On Line): https://www.cs.uky.edu/~raphael/sol/sol-entries/phi/354 2. Perseus Digital Library, Suda, phi, 354: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0054%3Aentry%3Dphi%2F354