Satyrus of Oxyrhynchus (Σάτυρος ὁ Ὀξυρυγχίτης) was a Hellenistic biographer of the 3rd century BCE, a native of the Egyptian city of Oxyrhynchus within the Ptolemaic kingdom [1]. His life remains obscure beyond this origin and profession, placing him within the culturally dynamic context of early Hellenistic Egypt.

He is known for a biographical work, the Lives (Bioi), surviving only in fragments. The most substantial of these, preserved on Papyrus Oxyrhynchus 1176, contains parts of his biographies of the tragedians Euripides and Sophocles [1][2]. These fragments demonstrate his method, which integrated anecdotes, quotations from the subjects' own works, and documentary evidence such as official decrees [1].

Satyrus holds significance as an early figure in the development of literary biography. His extant fragments provide direct insight into Hellenistic biographical techniques, blending documented fact with narrative. His work influenced later biographical tradition, serving as a source for authors like Diogenes Laertius [1]. Furthermore, his papyrus exemplifies the preservation of Greek literary texts in Egypt, aiding modern understanding of Hellenistic scholarship.

Sources 1. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics: https://oxfordre.com/classics/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-5712 2. Perseus Digital Library, Catalog of Literary Papyri: https://scaife.perseus.org/library/poxy-1176/