Antipater of Sidon

Quick Facts: Who was Antipater of Sidon?

Subject:

Antipater of Sidon

Known for:

Ancient Greek poet, celebrated for early descriptions of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Born:

200 BC

Died:

100 BC

Century / Era:

-200s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Antipater of Sidon (Greek: Ἀντίπατρος ὁ Σιδώνιος, Antipatros ho Sidonios) was an ancient Greek poet of the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE. Cicero mentions him living in Rome during the time of Quintus Lutatius Catulus, and calls him a brilliant epigrammist, sometimes too fond of imitation.

Career & Major Achievements

His poems, about 75 of which are preserved in the Greek Anthology, are mostly epitaphs and ecphrastic poems. 96 poems in the Greek Anthology are attributed simply to "Antipater", without an indication of whether they are by Antipater of Sidon or the later Antipater of Thessalonica, and it is difficult to identify which are his.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

One of his poems gives one of the earliest known lists of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. I have set eyes on the wall of lofty Babylon on which is a road for chariots, and the statue of Zeus by the Alpheus, and the hanging gardens, and the Colossus of the Sun, and the huge labour of the high pyramids, and the vast tomb of Mausolus; but when I saw the house of Artemis that mounted to the clouds, those other marvels lost their brilliancy, and I said, "Lo, apart from Olympus, the Sun never looked on aught so grand."

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 200 BC: Birth of Antipater of Sidon — Ancient Greek poet, celebrated for early descriptions of the Seven Wonders of the World.
2. 100 BC: Passing & Historical Legacy — Antipater of Sidon passed away on -100, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Antipater of Sidon

“Lo, apart from Olympus, the Sun never looked on aught so grand.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Antipater of Sidon

True or False: “Antipater of Sidon's poem is the definitive, undisputed source for the list of the Seven Wonders of the World.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While Antipater provided one of the earliest known lists, the attribution of his works in the Greek Anthology is often difficult, and his poem is not considered the single, definitive source.

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• -200 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -200
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Frequently Asked Questions about Antipater of Sidon