Origins & Early Life

Hipponax (; Ancient Greek: Ἱππῶναξ; gen. Ἱππώνακτος; fl. late 6th century BCE), of Ephesus and later Clazomenae, was an Ancient Greek iambic poet who composed verses depicting the vulgar side of life in Ionian society. He was celebrated by ancient authors for his malicious wit, especially for his attacks on some contemporary sculptors, Bupalus and Athenis.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Hipponax was reputed to be physically deformed, which might have been inspired by the nature of his poetry. Ancient authorities record the barest details about his life (sometimes contradicting each other) and his extant poetry is too fragmentary to support autobiographical interpretation (a hazardous exercise even at the best of times). The Marmor Parium, only partially preserved in the relevant place, dates him to 541/40 BCE, a date supported by Pliny the Elder in this comment on the theme of sculpture: There lived in the island of Chios a sculptor Melas who was succeeded by his son Micciades and his grandson Achermus; the latter's sons, Bupalus and Athenis, had the very greatest fame in that art at the time of the poet Hipponax who was clearly alive in the 60th Olympiad (540–37).—Natural History 36.4.11 Archeological...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

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