Staphylus of Naucratis (Στάφυλος ὁ Ναυκρατίτης) was a Hellenistic historian and mythographer of the 3rd–2nd century BCE. He lived in the Greek colony of Naucratis in Egypt during the Ptolemaic period, though no specific biographical details survive [7].

His works are preserved only in fragments and later testimonia. He authored studies on the foundation myths and antiquities of various regions. A referenced work is On the City of the Chalcidians, concerning Chalcis in Euboea [4]. Later sources, including the Suda, also attribute to him titles such as On Athens, On Thessaly, On Arcadia, On Aeolia, and On Cyprus [4].

Staphylus exemplifies the Hellenistic effort to systematize local histories and cultic traditions. His scholarship was used as a source by later compilers like Athenaeus and by scholiasts on classical poets, indicating his authority on antiquarian topics [4]. His work helped preserve regional identities within the broader Hellenistic cultural sphere.

Sources 1. World History Encyclopedia: Naucratis: https://www.worldhistory.org/Naucratis/ 2. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics: Staphylus of Naucratis: https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-6022