born 0441; 305, Cyrene, North Africa
died 0441; 240 BC
Greek poet and scholar.
He migrated to Egypt, where he worked at the Library of Alexandria . Of his voluminous writings, only fragments survive. His best-known poetical work is the Causes ( 0441; 270 BC), a medley of obscure tales explaining the origins of customs, festivals, and names. He is the most representative poet of the erudite and sophisticated Alexandrian school. His most famous prose work is the Pinakes ("Tablets") in 120 books, a catalog of the authors whose works were held in the library.