Philoxenus of Leucas (Φιλόξενος ὁ Λευκαδεύς) was a Greek dithyrambic poet from the island of Leucas, active in the late 5th and early 4th centuries BCE [1]. He is famously associated with the court of Dionysius I, tyrant of Syracuse, where an anecdote claims he was sent to the quarries for criticizing the tyrant’s poetry and, upon being recalled to hear a revised version, requested to be taken back [1][2]. He was also said to have rivaled the poet Melanippides [1].

His most significant work is the lost dithyramb “Cyclops” or “Galatea” (Κύκλωψ ἢ Γαλάτεια), known only from fragments and descriptions [1][2][3]. Other attributed titles, such as “Mysians” and “Deipnon,” are also lost [1].

Philoxenus was a major figure in the “New Music” movement, which emphasized musical complexity and innovative themes [1][2]. His “Cyclops” was particularly influential for its humorous, romantic portrayal of the Cyclops Polyphemus, a treatment that later impacted Hellenistic poetry [1][3]. Ancient critics often cited him as a leading, if controversial, example of this new stylistic direction [1][2].

Sources 1. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics: https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-5002 2. Perseus Digital Library, Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0104%3Aentry%3Dphiloxenus-bio-2 3. Encyclopædia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Philoxenus-of-Cythera (Note: This Britannica entry primarily discusses the later poet Philoxenus of Cythera but includes a brief mention of Philoxenus of Leucas and his work "Cyclops.")