Antiphanes | |
|---|---|
| Native name | Ἀντιφάνης |
| Born | c. 408 BCE |
| Died | 334 BCE (aged c. 74) |
| Occupation | Playwright |
| Nationality | Ancient Greek |
| Period | Middle Comedy |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Notable works | 365 comedies (140 titles known) |
| Notable awards | 13 victories in dramatic competitions, including 8 at the Lenaea |
| Children | Stephanus (also a comic writer) |
Antiphanes (Ancient Greek: Ἀντιφάνης; c. 408 to 334 BCE) was a playwright of Middle Comedy. According to Heinz-Günther Nesselrath, he is regarded as one of the most important writers of Middle Comedy alongside Alexis.[1]
Antiphanes was said to have written as many as 365 comedies, and 140 titles of his works are known.[1] His first play was produced about 385 BC.[2] According to the Suda, he won 13 victories in dramatic competitions, including 8 at the Lenaea.[2] In his later career he was a pioneer of the New Comedy.[1] Demetrius of Phalerum and Dorotheus of Ascalon wrote treatises on Antiphanes.[1]
According to the Suda, Antiphanes died after being struck by a pear.[3][4]
His son, Stephanus, was also a comic writer.[1]