or Alkaios
born 0441; 620 BC, Mytilene, Lesbos
died 0441; 580 BC
Greek lyric poet.
Only fragments and quotations survive from his work, consisting of hymns in honour of gods and heroes, love poetry, drinking songs, and political poems. Many reflect Alcaeus's vigorous involvement in the life of his native Mytilene, particularly its political life. His poetry was a favorite model for Horace , who adapted from him his own alcaic stanza.