# Demetrius of Phalerum

> Greek statesman and philosopher (c.350–c.280 BC)

**Wikidata**: [Q313286](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313286)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demetrius_of_Phalerum)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/demetrius-of-phalerum

## Summary

Demetrius of Phalerum was a Greek statesman, philosopher, and librarian who played a central role in the intellectual and political life of Classical Athens. He is most notably recognized for his governance of Athens under the rule of Cassander and for his extensive work in organizing and managing the library of the Alexandrian Mouseion.

## Biography
- Born: c. 350 BC, Athens, Greece
- Nationality: Greek
- Education: Trained in the philosophical school of Theophrastus and Aristotle
- Known for: Serving as ruler of Athens and as a key figure in the intellectual life of the early Hellenistic period
- Employer(s): Government of Classical Athens, Library of Alexandria
- Field(s): Politics, Philosophy, Librarianship

## Contributions
- Ruled Athens from 317/316 to 310/309 BC as a pro-Macedonian governor under Cassander
- Compiled and organized the Library of the Mouseion at Alexandria, one of the ancient world's most significant libraries
- Authored historical and philosophical works, including a history of the Jews and a set of treatises on the nature of government
- Led administrative reforms in Athens during his rule, including legal and civic changes
- Contributed to the intellectual climate of the early Hellenistic period through both governance and scholarship

## FAQs
**What roles did Demetrius of Phalerum hold during his career?**  
He served as the governor of Athens under the rule of Cassander and later became a key figure in the administration of the Library of Alexandria. His leadership in Athens ended in 310/309 BC, after which he continued his scholarly work in Egypt.

**What were his major contributions to philosophy and learning?**  
Demetrius was a student of Theophrustus and contributed significantly to the intellectual culture of the Hellenistic period. He was known for his philosophical writings and historical works, including a history of the Jews, and for his role in organizing the Library of Alexandria.

**What is the significance of his work with the Library of Alexandria?**  
He is credited with organizing one of the most important ancient libraries, which was central to the preservation and cataloging of Greek literature and learning. His work there helped establish it as a center of scholarship in the Hellenistic world.

## Why They Matter
Demetrius of Phalerum is significant for his role in the political and intellectual history of Classical Athens and Hellenistic learning. As a statesman, he implemented reforms and governed Athens during a turbulent period. As a philosopher and librarian, he contributed to the preservation and organization of knowledge, particularly through his work with the Library of Alexandria. His influence extended beyond his own time, shaping the intellectual traditions of the Hellenistic world and contributing to the survival of classical literature. His work as a political leader and scholar made him a key figure in the transition from the classical to the Hellenistic age.

## Notable For
- Being the governor of Athens under Cassander
- Organizing the Library of the Mouseion at Alexandria
- Writing historical and philosophical treatises, including a history of the Jews
- Being a student of Theophrastus and a member of the Peripatetic school
- Implementing legal and civic reforms in Athens during his term as governor

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Demetrius of Phalerum was born around 350 BC in Phalerum, a port town near Athens. He was a student of Theophrastus, who was himself a student of Aristotle, placing Demetrius within the Peripatetic school of philosophy. His early education was steeped in the traditions of Aristotelian thought, which influenced his later philosophical and political work.

### Career
Demetrius began his public career as a statesman in the service of Cassander, ruler of Macedon, who appointed him as the governor of Athens around 317 BC. He held this position until 310/309 BC, when he was removed from power. His governance was marked by legal and civic reforms, including the introduction of a democratic constitution and the extension of rights to foreign residents in Athens.

### Contributions to Politics and Learning
During his tenure as governor, Demetrius reformed the legal system of Athens, promoting a more inclusive civic structure. He also led a major public building program and was known for his moderation and administrative skill. His rule was considered a period of relative stability in Athens, which had been in political flux.

### Work as a Scholar and Librarian
After his rule in Athens, Demetrius moved to Alexandria, where he became a key figure in the administration of the Library of the Mouseion. He is credited with organizing one of the most important libraries of the ancient world, which became a center of learning and intellectual activity. His work there helped preserve and expand the corpus of Greek literature and knowledge.

### Influence and Legacy
Demetrius of Phalerum's influence extended into both the political and intellectual realms. As a statesman, he brought stability to Athens during his rule. As a scholar, his work in the Library of Alexandria helped preserve classical learning. His contributions to the Library of the Mouseion and his philosophical works influenced the course of Hellenistic intellectual history. His legacy is tied to both the political reforms of his governorship and his role in the preservation of knowledge in one of the ancient world's greatest libraries.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. datos.bne.es
3. Q64742005
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. CiNii Research
6. [Source](https://books.google.com.mx/books?id=8_9BCmCq6MYC&pg=PA454&dq=350+-+282+a.+C.+demetrio+falero&hl=es-419&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjX7-SaleHpAhUDI6wKHb-mA_kQ6AEIQjAD#v=onepage&q=350%20-%20282%20a.%20C.%20demetrio%20falero&f=false)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. [Prosopographia Attica](http://www.archive.org/stream/prosopographiaa00kircgoog#page/n241/mode/2up)
9. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
10. Perseus Catalog
11. Enciclopedia Treccani
12. LIBRIS. 2008
13. Dizionario di Storia
14. HMML Authority File