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Ammonius of Alexandria

GREEK FATHER

Ancient Greek·Male·1st century BC·Egypt

Ammonius of Alexandria was an ancient Greek grammarian active around the 1st century BCE. He was a prominent teacher in the grammatical school founded by Aristarchus of Samothrace, potentially succeeding him. His scholarly work focused on commentaries of classical Greek poets, though none of his writings survive.

Key Facts

  • Lived around the 1st century BCE.
  • Was a grammarian in Alexandria.
  • Pupil of a teacher named 'Alexander'.
  • Became a chief teacher in Aristarchus of Samothrace's grammatical school.
  • Wrote commentaries on Homer, Pindar, and Aristophanes.
  • His works are not extant but are quoted by Didymus Chalcenterus.
Full Name
Ammonius of Alexandria
Birth Place
Alexandria
Notable Works
  • On the Fact That There Were No Multiple Editions of Aristarchus's Recension
  • On the Re-Edited Recension
  • On Plato's Borrowings From Homer
  • Against Athenocles
Century Active

1st Century Bce

Region Of Activity

Alexandria

Theological School Or Tradition
  • Grammatical School of Aristarchus of Samothrace
Biographical Details
Ammonius of Alexandria, son of Ammonius, was an ancient Greek grammarian who lived around the 1st century BCE. He studied under a teacher named 'Alexander' and rose to become one of the principal instructors in the grammatical school established by Aristarchus of Samothrace, sometimes described as his successor. The Suda claims he took over the school before the reign of Augustus. Ammonius authored commentaries on classical poets like Homer, Pindar, and Aristophanes, as well as scholarly works on textual criticism and philosophical connections, but unfortunately, none of these writings have survived. His scholarship is known primarily through quotations by the grammarian Didymus Chalcenterus.
Affiliation
Notable Status

About Ammonius of Alexandria

Ammonius of Alexandria was an ancient Greek grammarian of considerable repute, active around the 1st century BCE. He was a pupil of a teacher identified as "Alexander," and he went on to become one of the leading instructors within the esteemed grammatical school established by Aristarchus of Samothrace. Historical accounts, including the Byzantine encyclopedia Suda, suggest that Ammonius may have succeeded Aristarchus as the head of this influential school, possibly taking over its leadership before the reign of Emperor Augustus.

His scholarly endeavors focused on producing commentaries on the works of prominent Greek poets, including Homer, Pindar, and Aristophanes. He also engaged in critical textual scholarship, with titles such as "On the fact that there were no multiple editions of Aristarchus's Recension" and "On Plato's Borrowings from Homer" attributed to him. Despite the significance of his contributions to grammatical studies and classical literature, regrettably, none of Ammonius's writings have survived to the present day. Our knowledge of his work is largely derived from references and quotations found in the writings of later grammarians, most notably Didymus Chalcenterus, who was also a follower of Aristarchus's school.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Ammonius of Alexandria?

Ammonius of Alexandria was an ancient Greek grammarian who lived around the 1st century BCE. He was a significant teacher in the grammatical school founded by Aristarchus of Samothrace.

What is Ammonius of Alexandria known for?

He is known for being a chief teacher in Aristarchus's grammatical school and for writing commentaries on Homer, Pindar, and Aristophanes. Although his works are lost, he is quoted by the grammarian Didymus Chalcenterus.

When did Ammonius of Alexandria live?

Ammonius of Alexandria lived around the 1st century BCE.

What works did Ammonius of Alexandria write?

Ammonius wrote commentaries on Homer, Pindar, and Aristophanes. He also authored works such as 'On the fact that there were no multiple editions of Aristarchus's Recension' and 'On Plato's Borrowings from Homer', though none of these survive.