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Callimachus

15quotes

Callimachus: The Poet of Alexandria


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Full Name and Common Aliases


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Callimachus was a Greek poet from Cyrene, in modern-day Libya. His full name is often given as Callimachus of Cyrene.

Birth and Death Dates


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The exact dates of his birth and death are unknown, but it is believed that he lived during the 3rd century BC.

Nationality and Profession(s)


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Callimachus was a Greek poet and scholar who was active in Alexandria during the Ptolemaic period. He was a prominent figure in the Library of Alexandria, where he worked as a poet, translator, and literary critic.

Early Life and Background


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Born in Cyrene around 305 BC, Callimachus came from a family of modest means. His early life is not well documented, but it is known that he was educated in Greek literature and poetry. He later moved to Alexandria, where he became embroiled in the intellectual and cultural circles of the city.

Major Accomplishments


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Callimachus was a prolific poet who wrote on a wide range of topics, including mythology, history, and contemporary events. His most notable works include:

The Aetia: A collection of 650 epigrams that tell the stories of mythological figures and events.
 The Hymns: A series of poems that celebrate various gods and goddesses of ancient Greece.

Notable Works or Actions


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Callimachus was not only a poet but also a scholar who was deeply interested in the study of literature and language. He was one of the first scholars to translate Homer's Iliad and Odyssey into Greek, and his translations remain an important part of literary history.

Impact and Legacy


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Callimachus' impact on ancient Greek literature is still felt today. His poetry has been widely studied and admired for its technical skill and emotional depth. As a scholar and translator, he helped to spread the knowledge of Homer's epics throughout the Mediterranean world.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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Callimachus' legacy extends far beyond his own lifetime. His poetry has been influential in shaping the literary styles of later centuries, from ancient Rome to modern times. He is remembered as a master poet who pushed the boundaries of language and form, paving the way for generations of writers to come.

Callimachus' contributions to literature are a testament to the power of art and learning to transcend time and cultures. His poetry continues to inspire readers with its beauty, wisdom, and timeless themes.

Quotes by Callimachus

A poet’s fiction should at least be plausible.
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A poet’s fiction should at least be plausible.
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To little men, gods send little things.
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To little men, gods send little things.
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Nothing unattested do I sing.
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Nothing unattested do I sing.
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A big book is a big misfortune.
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A big book is a big misfortune.
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I abhor, too, the roaming lover, nor do I drink from every well; I loathe all things in common.
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I abhor, too, the roaming lover, nor do I drink from every well; I loathe all things in common.
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Here sleeps Saon, of Acanthus, son of Dicon, a holy sleep: say not that the good die.
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Here sleeps Saon, of Acanthus, son of Dicon, a holy sleep: say not that the good die.
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Two goddesses now must Cyprus adore; The Muses are ten, and the Graces are four; Stella’s wit is so charming, so sweet her fair face, She shines a new Venus, a Muse, and a Grace.
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Two goddesses now must Cyprus adore; The Muses are ten, and the Graces are four; Stella’s wit is so charming, so sweet her fair face, She shines a new Venus, a Muse, and a Grace.
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A great book is like great evil.
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A great book is like great evil.
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And now that thou art lying, my dear old Carian guest, A handful of grey ashes, long, long ago at rest, Still are thy pleasant voices, thy nightingales awake; For Death, he taketh all away, but them he cannot take.
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And now that thou art lying, my dear old Carian guest, A handful of grey ashes, long, long ago at rest, Still are thy pleasant voices, thy nightingales awake; For Death, he taketh all away, but them he cannot take.
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I wept as I remembered how often you and I had tired the sun with talking and sent him down the sky.
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I wept as I remembered how often you and I had tired the sun with talking and sent him down the sky.
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