Timotheus of Gaza (Τιμόθεος ὁ Γαζαῖος) was a grammarian and zoological writer active during the reign of the Byzantine emperor Anastasius I (r. 491–518 CE) [1]. A Christian author from Gaza, he dedicated his work to the emperor, placing his floruit in the late 5th and early 6th centuries [1][2].

His primary work is the zoological treatise On Animals (Περὶ Ζῴων), written in four books [1][2]. Although the work is lost, numerous fragments are preserved in later Byzantine compilations such as the Geoponica and the Suda lexicon [1][2]. A commentary on Aristotle's Problems is also tentatively attributed to him [1].

Timotheus is significant for transmitting ancient zoological knowledge into the Byzantine world. On Animals compiled material from earlier authorities like Aristotle and Aelian, serving as an important source for later encyclopedists [1][2]. His work reflects the vibrant intellectual activity in late antique Gaza.

Sources 1. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics: https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-6429 2. Perseus Digital Library, Catalogus Philologorum Classicorum: http://catalogus.philologorum.de/?page_id=1558&lang=en