Chapter One Didymus and epic poetry

Abstract

This chapter studies Didymus’ scholarly activity on epic poetry, especially on Homer, in relation to both his own exegetical efforts and his work about the textual recension of Aristarchus of Samothrace. It provides a critical survey of the fragments of Didymus’ Homeric commentaries, with an overview on the subjects they covered. As for the treatise on Aristarchus’ diorthōsis, which is much more significant for the exegetical tradition on Homer, it discusses the scholia that convey his reasonings, the relationship of this work with the work of Aristonicus, the sources used by Didymus, the information Didymus gives us about Aristarchus’ works and ecdotic method, and finally the methods employed by Didymus himself in handling the work of his predecessors.