Theo ̄n of Smurna (ca 100 – 130 CE)
Philosopher. A surviving bust of Theo ̄n the “Platon-
ist philosopher,” dedicated by his son Theo ̄n “the
priest,” is dated stylistically to ca 135 CE. Theo ̄n
wrote several works to facilitate reading P, of
which the only one partially extant in Greek, the
Mathematical Things Useful for the Reading of Plato, is of
scientific interest. Theo ̄n, whose most important
source was A, gives a mostly elementary and
entirely derivative exposition of topics in number
theory, harmonic theory, and astronomy. Sections on
harmonic theory and especially astronomical model-
ing are of much historical value. Theo ̄n of Smurna
has sometimes, implausibly, been identified with a
T who supplied P with several astro-
nomical observations, of which five dating from 127–
132 CE are cited in the Almagest.RE 5A.2 (1934) 2067–2075 (#14), K Ziegler; Neugebauer (1975) 949–950; DSB 13.325–326,
G.L. Huxley; Barker (1989) 209–229.
Alexander Jones
Theophane ̄s of He ̄rakleopolis (Egypt) (before 530 CE)
Mentioned as phusikos by S B (Ethnika, s.v. He ̄rakleoupolis,
p. 304.7–9 Meineke).
RE 5A.1 (1934) 2127 (#2), W. Capelle.
Arnaud Zucker
Theophane ̄s of Mutile ̄ne ̄, Cn. Pompeius (before 88 – after 36 BCE)
Greek historian, son of Hieroitas, of the Mutile ̄nean upper class, assumed the office of
prutanis, and came to Rome probably around 88 BCE after M’ expulsion of
Asians protesting his slaughter of 80,000 Romans. Theophane ̄s met C and became
an intimate friend of Pompey whom he accompanied on his campaigns in the east. Pompey,
stopping in Lesbos on his return to Rome, liberated Mutile ̄ne ̄ for Theophane ̄s’ sake, earning
honorable titles and divine respect. Receiving Roman citizenship from Pompey no later
than 61, Theophane ̄s assumed the name Cn. Pompeius, according to custom. In 59,
Theophane ̄s made a diplomatic trip to Egypt to convince Ptolemy XIII Aulete ̄s to ally
himself with Rome. In 48, Theophane ̄s again followed Pompey to the east after his defeat
by I C at Pharsalos. Pompey was assassinated in Alexandria, perhaps due to
Theophane ̄s’ bad advice. After Caesar’s murder in Rome (44 BCE), Theophane ̄s requested
an interview with Cicero to discuss his situation. His end is unknown. Theophane ̄s com-
posed the history of the third Mithridatic War on the basis of his experience with Pompey.
Theon of Smurna Roma, Musei
Capitolini, Archivo Fotografico dei
Musei Capitolini
THEO ̄N OF SMURNA