Kleide ̄mos of Athens (380 – 340 BCE)
Considered the oldest atthidographer (Pausanias 10.15.5, who with a few later sources
names him “Kleitode ̄mos”), and supplanted by A’s Atthis for the historical period.
Athe ̄naios 14 (660ab) = fr.5 and Harpokratio ̄n, s.v. ΠΥΚΝΙ = fr.7, called his Atthis, com-
posed ca 350 BCE, Protogonia – probably the authentic title and an indicator of Kleide ̄mos’
antiquarian interests. Likely intended as an historical work also claiming literary merits,
only 25 fragments, from four books, remain. The fragments from the first two books refer
to the mythological period and regal history down to 683/2 BCE, from the third book to
the reforms of Kleisthene ̄s, and the rest continue to the Peloponnesian War with his
last recorded event in 415 BCE (F 10). Most fragments contain references to cults, consti-
tutional issues, descriptions of the country, and details about localities. Kleide ̄mos’ writings
showed support of the democratic constitution. His scientific method is evident in his
rationalization of myth and his application of etymology. Kleide ̄mos, an interpreter of and
expert in ceremonial ritual (exe ̄ge ̄te ̄s), also wrote an Exe ̄ge ̄tikon.
Scientific fragments quoted by A and T (F 31–36) are probably
also the work of the atthidographer (but Kroll dates Kleide ̄mos the agricultural writer to ca
440 BCE and distinguishes him from the atthidographer). These fragments may not belong
to one work. Aristotle explains Kleide ̄mos’ view that lightning has no objective existence but
is merely an appearance as due to his ignorance of the theory of reflection (Meteorologica
2.9.18 = F31). Theophrastos mentions Kleide ̄mos on sensory perceptions with polemic
against A (De Sensu 7.38 = F32). Fragments 31–32 would suit a book peri
phuseo ̄s. Fragments 33–36 may belong to a Geo ̄rgikon; a work having this title is ascribed to
Androtio ̄n also. In these fragments Theophrastos cites Kleide ̄mos concerning fruit and
vines and the reasons why vines would fail to bear fruit. He also gives advice for pruning
vines, the proper time for sowing (at the setting of the Pleiades), and on the elemental
composition and differences between plants and animals.
Ed.: DK 62; FGrHist 323 F31–36 with commentary.
RE S.7 (1940) 321, W. Kroll; G. Huxley, “Kleidemos and the Themistokles decree,” GRBS 9 (1968)
313 – 318; J. McInerny, “Politicizing the past,” ClAnt 13.1 (1994) 17–37; OCD3 343, P.E. Harding;
BNP 3 (2003) 417, K. Meister.
Maria Marsilio
Kleinias of Taras (390 – 350 BCE)
Contemporary of P, who with A allegedly prevented Plato from burning the
collected works of D A (D L 9.40). Kleinias was
reputed for philanthropy (see P) and exemplary character (Ath., Deipn. 14 [624a];
I, VP 197 – 198). His treatise on piety survives in two fragments (I
S 3.1.75, 76). One fragment of his work on numbers describes how the first four
numerals, setting arithmetic and geometry in motion, provide the foundation of harmony
and astronomy (-I, T. A. [p. 21 de Falco]). The other dis-
cusses the pre-eminence of the numeral one (S, In Metaphys.: CAG 6.1 [1902] 168).
Thesleff (1965) 107–108; BNP 3 (2003) 417–418 (#6), Chr. Riedeweg.
GLIM
K A ⇒ K A
KLEIDE ̄MOS OF ATHENS