Dioscorides and his “mythological epigrams”: the rediscovery of a hitherto neglected poet

Unlike other Hellenistic poets, Dioscorides (3rd c. BCE) has been rather neglected by the scholars throughout the centuries. His remaining epigrams are traditionally divided into five thematic areas: erotic, funerary, dedicatory, descriptive, and satirical. However, through an in-depth analysis of his production, it is possible to identify new different topics. In some compositions, indeed, the poet tends to draw attention towards several mythical events: in AP 5.138, the well-known topos of the flamma amoris becomes the most convenient metaphor to depict the Trojan fire; while in AP 12.37, Dioscorides presents a comparison between the handsome Sosarchos and Ganymede, Zeus’ mythical cupbearer. Nevertheless, his interests focus on the etiological nature of these legends as well: in AP 9.340, indeed, he takes a precise position within the mythological tradition describing the invention of the aulos; in AP 6.220, instead, he retraces the origins of the Great Mother Cybele’s rituals; and in AP 7.407, he eventually contributes to the birth of a brand-new goddess: Sappho the tenth Muse.