Ptolemy of Ascalon (Πτολεμαῖος ὁ Ἀσκαλωνίτης) was a grammarian of the 2nd century BCE from the Hellenized city of Ascalon. His epithet identifies his origin, but no specific biographical details survive. As a Hellenistic grammarian, he participated in the scholarly tradition focused on the study and preservation of the Greek language.

He is credited with two lost grammatical treatises: Περὶ διαφορᾶς λέξεων (On the Difference of Words), concerning synonyms or lexical distinctions, and Περὶ ὀρθογραφίας (On Orthography), on correct spelling [1].

Ptolemy’s significance lies in his role within Hellenistic grammatical scholarship. His works were cited by later authorities like Athenaeus and the Suda, indicating their standing as authoritative sources on Greek vocabulary and orthography during a period of linguistic standardization [1].

Sources 1. Perseus Digital Library (Tufts University): Entry for "Ptolemaeus, Ascalonites" in Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0104%3Aentry%3Dptolemaeus-bio-34