Semus of Delos (Σῆμος ὁ Δηλιεύς) was a Hellenistic grammarian and antiquarian, active in the 3rd or 2nd century BCE. The Byzantine Suda identifies him as a Peripatetic, though the relevance of this label is unclear [1]. His scholarship focused on local history, religious rituals, and cultural origins, particularly concerning his native Delos [1][2].

His major work was the Delias (Δηλιάς), a multi-volume treatise on Delian antiquities, myths, temple histories, and customs [1][2][3]. He also authored specialized studies On Pacans (Περὶ Παιάνων) and On Islands (Περὶ Νήσων) [1][2].

Semus exemplifies Hellenistic antiquarian scholarship. His meticulously researched works, though now fragmentary, became valuable sources for later compilers like Athenaeus, preserving unique evidence for Greek local history, religion, and music [1][2].

Sources 1. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics: Semus of Delos: https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-5823 2. Perseus Digital Library, Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology: Semus: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0104:entry=semus-bio-1 3. ToposText: Semus of Delos: https://topostext.org/people/1350