also an elegant solution to the problem of finding in the same figure the geometrical,
harmonic and arithmetical means between two given lines. The last one (114.14–20) is a
paradoxical theorem akin to E’ paradoxes, as Pappos remarked. Despite Pappos’
(calculated) claim that his mathematical knowledge is superior to Pandrosion’s and her
students’, the tone and content of his response, as well as the level of their achieve-
ments, show their mathematical competence. A feminine name, perhaps of Athenian ori-
gin, the diminutive of Pandrosos, Kekrops’ dewy daughter, Pandrosion was never common
(LGPN).
Cuomo (2000) 127–128, 170; Jones (1986) 4, n.8; Alain Bernard, “Sophistic aspects of Pappus’s
Collection,” AHES 57 (2003) 93–150.
Alain Bernard
Pankharios (140 – 380 CE)
Iatromathematical astrologer. H preserves several brief fragments from his
commentary on P’s Tetrabiblos: Pankharios discussed the importance of the Moon
over the Sun to those born at night (2.11.26–30), criticized Ptolemy for not determining
the “starter” (for determining length of life) by proceeding from the degree nearest the
descending degree (2.11.46–50), argued that allotting a 30 ̊ interval to the three places
around Midheaven was not always necessary (2.11.63–64), and explained how to determine
a horoscope when the signs did not fall neatly on the centers, i.e., Midheaven, the Horoscopus,
etc. (2.11.83–86). M B reports Pankharios’ upset stomach remedy
containing pepper, hartwort, ginger, ammi, anise, libysticum (i.e., ligusticum), and Spanish
juniper (20.88 = CML 5.1, p. 350). Pankharios also wrote Epitome Concerning Bed-Illnesses (peri
katakliseo ̄s nosouonto ̄n epitome ̄), similar to H T’ Iatromathe ̄matika; Pankharios’
work survives in whole or part in MS BNF Parisin. 1991 (15th c.) f.29V, Parisin. 2139 (17th c.)
f.70V, Barberin. I.127 (16th c.) f.197V, and Vatic. 1444 (15th c.) f.235V.
RE 18.3 (1949) 495 (#1), K. Preisendanz; Diels 2 (1907) 76–77.
GLIM
Pankrate ̄s of Alexandria (125 – 140 CE)
Appointed a member of the Museion by Hadrian, wrote hexameters on flowers, preserved
in POxy 1085, P. Brit. Mus. 1109, and Ath., Deipn. 15 (677d-f = FGrHist 625). Ulpianus
(apud Athe ̄naios) speaks about two types of lotus flower, blue and red; the latter was used to
plait the so-called “Antinoos garland.” According to Pankrate ̄s the red lotus was to be called
“Antinoeios” in honor of Hadrian’s favorite, since it had grown from the blood of the lion
killed by Antinoos hunting near Alexandria, celebrated in the tondi on Constantine’s Arch
(originally a part of a Hadrianic hunting monument). The four lines preserved by Athe ̄naios
describe several flowers, echoing Iliad 14.347–349, before the Antinoos lotus arose. The
papyri allow reconstruction of 50 hexameters, 30 of which are complete, with traces of a
prologue and a description of the hunting scene where the lion attacks and Hadrian saves
Antinoos. Echoes of H and the He ̄siodic Shield are evident. The epyllion probably
dates to soon after 130 CE. It is difficult to state with certainty if this Pankrate ̄s is dis-
tinguishable from, or identifiable with, the wizard Pankrate ̄s from He ̄liopolis, mentioned by
the Paris magical papyrus (PGM 4.2441–55: he showed a magical sacrifice to Hadrian);
perhaps our man is the same Pankrate ̄s cited in Lucian’s Philopseudes 34.
PANKRATE ̄S OF ALEXANDRIA