Callimachus (disambiguation) facts for kids

Callimachus is a name that belonged to several important people throughout history, especially in ancient Greece. It also refers to a play. Let's learn about some of the most famous people named Callimachus!

Who Was Callimachus?

The name Callimachus has been used by different people over many centuries. From ancient Greek commanders to famous poets and even later Italian thinkers, this name has a rich history.

Callimachus the Athenian Commander

One of the earliest famous Callimachus figures was an Athenian polemarch, which was a high-ranking military leader in ancient Athens. He lived around 490 BC. Callimachus was a key commander in the Athenian army during the famous Battle of Marathon. This battle was a major event where the Athenians bravely fought against the Persian Empire.

Callimachus the Sculptor

Another Callimachus was a talented sculptor and architect who lived in the 5th century BC. He was known for his detailed and artistic work. Some people believe he invented the Corinthian column, a beautiful style of column used in ancient Greek and Roman buildings. He was also famous for his very fine bronze sculptures.

Callimachus the Poet and Scholar

Perhaps the most famous Callimachus was a brilliant Greek poet and scholar who lived in the 3rd century BC. He was born in Cyrene (which is now part of Libya) and later moved to Alexandria, Egypt. Alexandria was a huge center for learning and had the famous Library of Alexandria.

Callimachus worked at the Library of Alexandria, where he helped organize its vast collection of scrolls. He wrote many different kinds of poems, including hymns, epigrams, and elegies. He was known for his clever and learned style of writing. He greatly influenced later Greek and Roman poets.

Other People Named Callimachus

• Callimachus (strategos): This Callimachus was a Ptolemaic official in the 1st century BC. A strategos was a military general or governor in the ancient Greek world.
• Filippo Buonaccorsi: An Italian thinker from the 15th century (1437–1496) who was also known as "Callimachus." He was a humanist, which means he studied and valued human achievements and classical learning.

Callimachus in Literature

• Callimachus (play): This is a 10th-century play written by a German nun named Hrotsvitha. She was one of the earliest known female playwrights in Europe.