# Quintus Smyrnaeus

> 4th-century Greek poet

**Wikidata**: [Q352702](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q352702)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quintus_Smyrnaeus)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/quintus-smyrnaeus

## Summary
Quintus Smyrnaeus was a 4th-century Greek poet best known for authoring the *Posthomerica*, an epic poem that continues the narrative of the Trojan War after the events of Homer's *Iliad*. His work bridges the gap between Homeric tradition and later Greek literature, making him a significant figure in ancient Greek poetry.

## Biography
- Born: 4th century CE (exact date and place unknown)
- Nationality: Greek
- Education: Unknown
- Known for: Writing the *Posthomerica*, an epic poem extending the Trojan War narrative
- Employer(s): Not specified
- Field(s): Poetry, Greek literature

## Contributions
Quintus Smyrnaeus is primarily known for his epic poem, the *Posthomerica* (also known as *The Fall of Troy*), which chronicles the events of the Trojan War following the death of Hector, as described in Homer’s *Iliad*. The poem spans 14 books and covers key episodes such as the death of Achilles, the construction of the Trojan Horse, and the fall of Troy. It serves as a crucial link between Homeric epics and later Greek literary traditions, preserving and expanding upon mythological themes.

## FAQs
### What is Quintus Smyrnaeus best known for?
Quintus Smyrnaeus is best known for his epic poem, the *Posthomerica*, which continues the story of the Trojan War after the events of Homer’s *Iliad*.

### When did Quintus Smyrnaeus live?
He lived in the 4th century CE, though exact dates of his birth and death are unknown.

### What is the *Posthomerica* about?
The *Posthomerica* is an epic poem that details the later events of the Trojan War, including the death of Achilles, the Trojan Horse, and the fall of Troy.

### How does Quintus Smyrnaeus relate to Homer?
Quintus Smyrnaeus’ work directly follows Homer’s *Iliad*, extending the narrative and maintaining the Homeric style, making him a key figure in the tradition of Greek epic poetry.

## Why They Matter
Quintus Smyrnaeus’ *Posthomerica* is a vital text in the canon of Greek epic poetry, as it bridges the gap between Homer’s works and later literary traditions. His poem preserves and elaborates on mythological themes, ensuring the continuity of the Trojan War narrative in Western literature. Without his contributions, the post-Homeric events of the Trojan War would lack a cohesive literary treatment, diminishing the richness of Greek mythological storytelling.

## Notable For
- Authoring the *Posthomerica*, a 14-book epic poem continuing the Trojan War narrative.
- Bridging the gap between Homeric epics and later Greek literature.
- Preserving and expanding upon key mythological themes in Greek poetry.

## Body
### Early Life and Origins
Quintus Smyrnaeus lived in the 4th century CE, though little is known about his early life or education. His nationality is Greek, and he is often referred to as "Quintus of Smyrna," suggesting a connection to the city of Smyrna (modern-day Izmir, Turkey).

### Literary Contributions
Quintus Smyrnaeus’ most significant work is the *Posthomerica*, an epic poem that continues the story of the Trojan War where Homer’s *Iliad* leaves off. The poem is divided into 14 books and covers pivotal events such as the death of Achilles, the exploits of Penthesilea (the Amazon queen), the construction of the Trojan Horse, and the ultimate fall of Troy. His work is notable for its adherence to the Homeric style, making it a crucial link in the tradition of Greek epic poetry.

### Influence on Greek Literature
The *Posthomerica* serves as a bridge between the Homeric epics and later Greek literary works. By extending the Trojan War narrative, Quintus Smyrnaeus ensured that key mythological themes and characters remained central to Greek storytelling. His poem has been studied for its linguistic and stylistic similarities to Homer, contributing to scholarly discussions about the evolution of epic poetry in ancient Greece.

### Legacy
Quintus Smyrnaeus’ contributions to Greek literature are enduring. The *Posthomerica* remains an important text for understanding the post-Homeric treatment of the Trojan War and its characters. His work has influenced subsequent generations of poets and scholars, ensuring that the legacy of the Trojan War continues to resonate in Western literature.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Union List of Artist Names. 2004
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Quintus%20Smyrnaeus%20)
7. CONOR.SI
8. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
9. Enciclopedia Treccani
10. [Source](http://www.maru.firenze.sbn.it/MareMagnum/mare_magnum.htm)
11. LIBRIS. 2006
12. HMML Authority File