Phylarchus of Athens (Φύλαρχος ὁ Ἀθηναῖος) Life Phylarchus was an Athenian historian active in the 3rd century BCE. His detailed knowledge of Peloponnesian affairs suggests he spent considerable time there [1]. A contemporary of Aratus of Sicyon, his historical narrative covered the period from 272 BCE to the death of the Spartan king Cleomenes III in 219 BCE [1][2]. Ancient sources like Plutarch indicate a potential bias in his favorable portrayal of Cleomenes III [1].

Works His major work was the Histories (Ἱστορίαι), a narrative in 28 books covering the period from Pyrrhus of Epirus’s expedition to the Peloponnese to Cleomenes III’s death [1][2]. This work is now lost, surviving only in fragments cited by later authors such as Plutarch, Athenaeus, and Polybius [1][2]. A second subject, The Story of Antiochus and Eumenes of Pergamum, concerning Antiochus III and Eumenes II, may have been part of his larger Histories [1][2].

Significance Phylarchus was a significant but controversial Hellenistic historian. Polybius heavily criticized his method, accusing him of writing sensational, tragic history designed to evoke pity rather than provide a sober account [1][2]. Despite this criticism, his fragments offer valuable, if partisan, information on figures like Cleomenes III and were used extensively by Plutarch [1][2].

Sources 1. Encyclopædia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Phylarchus-Greek-historian 2. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics: https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-5047