Theocritus and the Archaeology of Greek Poetry

Exploring the hymns, mimes, and erotic poems of Theocritus, this book analyzes how the poet revitalizes earlier Greek traditions while adapting to the evolving landscape of third-century BC poetry. Recent papyri discoveries enhance our comprehension of Theocritus's engagement with archaic works, leading to fresh interpretations that promise to reshape our understanding of Hellenistic poetry. The readings presented offer a significant shift in perspective, highlighting the innovative techniques employed by Theocritus in his craft.