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Magnes

Athenian poet of Old Comedy

Comedy writer
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About Magnes

Magnes was a Greek comedy writer.

Magnes (Greek: Μάγνης) was an Athenian comic poet of the 5th century BC, a native of the deme of Icaria in Attica. Magnes and his contemporary Chionides are the earliest comic poets for whom victories are recorded in the literary competition of the Dionysia festival.

His death was alluded to by Aristophanes, who stated that in his old age Magnes had lost the popularity which he had formerly enjoyed.

Titles of his comedies:

Βαρβίτιδες (Barbitides), Guitarists of Barbiton Βάτραχοι (Batrachoi), Frogs Γαλεομυομαχία (Galeomyomachia), Battle of Cats and Mice Διόνυσος (Dionysos), Dionysus Λυδοί (Lydoi), Lydians Ὄρνιθες (Ornithes), Birds Πιτακίς ή Πυτακίδης (Pitakis or Pytakidis, related to Pita, Pytia or Pittakion, Wax tablet) Ποάστρια (Poastria), Female Farm-Worker (derived from Poa) Ψῆνες (Psenes), Fig wasps

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Important facts

Born
Athens
Died
Athens
Occupation
Comedy writer
Nationality

Frequently asked questions

Who was Magnes?

Athenian poet of Old Comedy

When was Magnes born?

Magnes was born in Athens.

When did Magnes die?

Magnes died in Athens.

What was Magnes's occupation?

Magnes was a comedy writer.

What nationality was Magnes?

Magnes was Greek.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Magnes

· Wikidata: Q1449914

· DBpedia: Magnes (comic poet)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Magnes. https://biography.guide/magnes/

MLA: "Magnes." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/magnes/.

Chicago: "Magnes." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/magnes/.

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

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