Diogenianus

Who is Diogenianus?

Diogenianus was a Greek grammarian from Heraclea in Pontus who flourished during the reign of Hadrian. He was the author of an alphabetical lexicon, chiefly of poetical words, abridged from the great lexicon of Pamphilus of Alexandria and other similar works. It was also known by the title Περιεργοπένητες. It formed the basis of the lexicon, or rather glossary, of Hesychius of Alexandria, which is described in the preface as a new edition of the work of Diogenianus. We still possess a collection of proverbs under his name, probably an abridgment of the collection made by himself from his lexicon. Diogenianus was also the author of an Anthologion of epigrams about rivers, lakes, cliffs, mountains and mountaintops; and of a list of all the towns in the world.

Erasmus attributed the origins of this Latin parable to Diogenianus — piscem nature doces.