Why does Clement Call Callimachus "the Cretan"? Engaging the Audience in Protrepticus 2.37

In Chapter Two of Clement of Alexandria's exhortatory Protrepticus the Christian author labels the Hellenistic poet Callimachus "the Cretan (ὁ Κρής)." Clement suggests this well-known figure hails from the island of Crete, despite an ancient consensus that Callimachus was born in Cyrene. What appears to be a simple error on Clement's part is in fact a clever device aimed at bringing his reader into his intellectual approach to the Christian faith. This article explores why Clement mislabels Callimachus as "the Cretan" and how this term - delivered with an accusatory tone - adds layers of textual complexity to his simple exhortation, inviting the audience into Clement's argument itself

Byzantine Studies and History · Classical Antiquity Studies · Historical and Religious Studies of Rome