Philonides the Comic Poet (Φιλωνίδης ὁ Λαοδικεύς)

Life Philonides was a Greek comic poet of the 4th century BCE, a native of Laodicea [1]. Active in Athens, he was also an actor who performed in and produced plays for Aristophanes, specifically noted for The Frogs and The Kokalos [1][2]. This indicates a close professional association with the renowned playwright.

Works Only fragments and titles of two comedies survive [1][2]. The known titles are Antyllos (Ἄντυλλος) and Bacchae (Βάκχαι), each preserved in a brief mention by Athenaeus [1].

Significance His primary significance lies in his attested connection to Aristophanes, providing a valuable data point for understanding theatrical production in late 5th and early 4th century Athens. As a poet of the generation following Old Comedy, his nearly lost work places him among the fragmentary authors of the transitional period toward Middle Comedy.

Sources 1. Suda, Philonides (via Perseus Digital Library): https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0057%3Aentry%3D*filwni%2Fdhs 2. Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, Philonides (via Perseus): https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0104%3Aentry%3Dphilonides-bio-1