The Idylls

Set in the Hellenistic era, the poetry of Theocritus reflects a rich cosmopolitanism shaped by Alexander the Great's conquests. While he is celebrated for pioneering pastoral poetry, his Idylls explore a broader range of themes, including urban life, mythological heroes, and relationships. The collection features various characters, from fishermen to demigods, and includes epigrams, some of which may not be authentic but were historically attributed to him. The poems are designed for oral performance, enhanced by musical meter, and accompanied by notes for deeper understanding of their cultural context.