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Epigenes of Byzantium

150 BC – 100 BC

3rd-century BC Greek astrologer

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About Epigenes of Byzantium

Lived 150 BC – 100 BC. Epigenes of Byzantium was a mathematician, astronomer, astrologer and writer.

Epigenes of Byzantium (; unknown-circa 200 BC) was a Greek astrologer. He seems to have been an earlier supporter of astrology, which, though derided by many Greek intellectuals, came to be accepted after Alexander the Great conquered major parts of the Near East.

The sources for the life of Epigenes are Seneca the Younger (c. 65 AD), Pliny the Elder (c. 77 AD), and Censorinus (c. 238 AD).

Epigenes' claims to have been educated by the Chaldeans comes from the writings of Seneca. Pliny the Elder writes that Epigenes attests to the fact that the Chaldeans preserved astral observations in inscriptions upon brick tiles (coctilibus laterculis) extending to a period of 720 years. Pliny calls Epigenes a writer of first-rate authority (gravis auctor imprimis). Smith interprets this to mean that Epigenes came before Berossus. he boasted of having been instructed by the Chaldean priest-astrologers.

The 55-km lunar crater Epigenes is named after him.

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Important facts

Born
150 BC, Byzantium
Birth century
Died
100 BC
Also known as
Epígenes de Bizanci

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Epigenes of Byzantium's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Epigenes of Byzantium?

3rd-century BC Greek astrologer

When was Epigenes of Byzantium born?

Epigenes of Byzantium was born in 150 BC in Byzantium.

When did Epigenes of Byzantium die?

Epigenes of Byzantium died in 100 BC.

What was Epigenes of Byzantium's occupation?

Epigenes of Byzantium was a mathematician, astronomer, astrologer and writer.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Epigenes of Byzantium

· Wikidata: Q287423

· DBpedia: Epigenes of Byzantium

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Epigenes of Byzantium. https://biography.guide/epigenes-of-byzantium/

MLA: "Epigenes of Byzantium." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/epigenes-of-byzantium/.

Chicago: "Epigenes of Byzantium." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/epigenes-of-byzantium/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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