Timocles (Τιμοκλῆς) was an Athenian comic poet of the Middle Comedy, active in the later 4th century BCE, circa 330–320 [1]. No biographical details survive, but he was a contemporary of Menander, Alexis, and Antiphanes [1]. Evidence for his career derives from fragments preserved by later authors like Athenaeus and entries in ancient catalogs [1].

The Suda attributes 24 plays to him, but only 28 fragments and 10 titles are extant [1]. Known titles include Drakontion, Demosatyroi, Epichairekakos, Iketides, Karikleia, Konnisalos, Orestautokleides, Polypragmon, Porphyra, and Heroes [1]. All works survive fragmentarily through quotation.

Timocles is significant for understanding Middle Comedy’s transition from political satire to domestic themes. His fragments showcase mythological parody and contemporary social commentary, referencing philosophers, politicians, and hetairai [1]. A notable fragment from Dionysiazousai defends comedy’s social utility as a consolation by depicting the misfortunes of others [1].

Sources 1. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics (Oxford University Press): https://oxfordre.com/classics/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-6432