The Social Diffusions in the Amatory Epigrams of Asclepiades of Samos

Asclepiades of Samos Ἀσκληπιάδης ὁ Σάμιος (also known as Sicelidas) (fl. 270
BC) is a particularly distinguished epigrammatist in the Hellenistic period. But for the
anthology of Meleager of Gadara (c. 140 BC - c. 70 BC), The Garland, which later became the
basis for the Greek Anthology, Asclepiades' works (around 47 epigrams in toto, around 14 of
which are spurious) could have totally vanished leaving us with only a name.

As far as the social theme is concerned in the epigrams of Asclepiades, his works
mirrored the mindset and general mood of his society. Thus, he was one of the precursors of
love epigrams who injected the love trend, as a focal point and primary motif, into his epigrams.
Being influenced by the elegiac nature of epigrams and the political mood of his time; that is of
alienation (from the polis), his topics were quite affected and reflected in his love theme, which
included despair, suffering in love and disloyalty. In addition, as a result of the central political
system (monarchy), Asclepiades' writings took a greatly individualistic and subjective turn.
Furthermore, there is no doubt that the sensual hedonistic propensity had played its role in
turning Asclepiades' love 'eros' into erotic 'eros'. All these elements will be previewed through
a social angle in this paper.