Zoilus
Zoilus was a Greek grammarian and literary critic from Amphipolis, known for his harsh criticisms of Homer. He gained the epithet "Homeromastix," meaning "Homer whipper," due to his attacks on the fabulous elements in Homer's epic poems. Despite his significant literary output, his writings have not survived, leaving his reputation as a harsh critic largely based on the accounts of others.
- Century
- 4th century BC
- Country Or Region
- Greece
Key Facts
- ›Zoilus was a Greek grammarian and literary critic from Amphipolis.
- ›He lived approximately between 400 and 320 BC.
- ›He was known for his acerbity in attacking the Homeric poems, particularly their fabulous elements.
- ›Zoilus authored several grammatical works, including "against the Poetry of Homer" and a history.
- ›He was also known for his responses to works by Isocrates and Plato.
- ›His name became a byword for harsh and malignant criticism.
Homeromastix, Homer whipper, scourge of Homer
About Zoilus
Zoilus (c. 400 – 320 BC)
Zoilus was a Greek grammarian and literary critic who hailed from Amphipolis in Eastern Macedonia. Active around the 4th century BC, he is primarily known for his sharp and often acrimonious critiques of ancient literary works, most notably those of the poet Homer.
Reputation and "Homeromastix"
Zoilus gained considerable notoriety for his attacks on Homer, which were largely directed against what he perceived as the fabulous or unbelievable elements within the Homeric poems. His critical stance was so pronounced that he earned the epithet "Homeromastix," a Greek term translating to "Homer whipper" or "scourge of Homer." This epithet suggests a relentless and severe criticism of the esteemed poet.
Writings and Scholarly Pursuits
His contributions to scholarship included several grammatical works. Among his known writings are "Against the Poetry of Homer" (comprising nine speeches), a history that spanned from the birth of the gods to the death of Philip of Macedon, a treatise "On Amphipolis," and critiques "Against the Rhetor Isocrates." He also penned an invective specifically against Homer and produced responses to works by Isocrates and Plato, indicating engagement with contemporary philosophical and rhetorical debates.
Historical Accounts and Legacy
Accounts of Zoilus's life and death vary, and some are likely apocryphal. Vitruvius, for instance, claims Zoilus was crucified for his criticisms of King Ptolemy Philadelphus, a story that is generally considered fictional due to Zoilus's reputation. Other traditions suggest he met violent ends, such as being stoned or burned alive. The Suda mentions an incident where he was chased by the people of Olympia and thrown from the Scironian rocks, though this account may be textually corrupted. Because his writings have not survived, it remains difficult to ascertain the true nature or justification of his critical reputation. Nevertheless, Zoilus's name became synonymous with harsh and malignant criticism, a legacy that persisted into modern times, with Cervantes referring to him as a "slanderer" and the proverb "Every poet has his Zoilus" emerging to describe critics who target poets.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Zoilus?
Zoilus was a Greek grammarian and literary critic who lived from approximately 400 to 320 BC. He hailed from Amphipolis in Eastern Macedonia.
Why is Zoilus known as "Homeromastix"?
Zoilus earned the epithet "Homeromastix," meaning "Homer whipper" or "scourge of Homer," due to the acerbity of his attacks on the works of Homer, primarily targeting the fabulous elements within the epic poems.
What did Zoilus write?
Zoilus authored several grammatical works, including a text titled "Against the Poetry of Homer" (in nine speeches). He also wrote a history spanning from the birth of the gods to the death of Philip of Macedon, a work on Amphipolis, and critiques against the rhetor Isocrates, as well as responses to works by Isocrates and Plato.
What happened to Zoilus?
According to Vitruvius, Zoilus was crucified by Ptolemy Philadelphus for his criticisms, though this account is likely a fiction. Other accounts suggest he may have been stoned at Chios or thrown alive upon a funeral pyre at Smyrna, and the Suda mentions him being chased and thrown off the Scironian rocks by the people of Olympia.
Are Zoilus's writings still available?
No, Zoilus's writings do not survive to the present day. This makes it impossible to definitively assess the justification for his reputation as a harsh critic.
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