Phormis
One of the originators of ancient Greek comedy
About Phormis
Lived 550 BC – 500 BC. Phormis was a Greek comedy writer.
Phormis (; fl. c. 478 BC) is one of the originators of Greek comedy, or of a particular form of it. Aristotle identified him as one of the originators of comedy, along with Epicharmus of Kos. He was said to be the first to introduce actors with robes reaching to the ankles, and to ornament the stage with skins dyed purple—as drapery it may be presumed.
Surviving Titles and Fragments The Suda gave a list of his comedies:
Admetus Alcinous Alcyone Atalante Cepheus (or Kephalaia) Hippos ("The Horse") Iliou Porthesis ("The Sacking of Troy") Perseus
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Important facts
People in Phormis's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Phormis's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Phormis?
one of the originators of ancient Greek comedy
When was Phormis born?
Phormis was born in 550 BC in Syracuse.
When did Phormis die?
Phormis died in 500 BC in Syracuse.
What was Phormis's occupation?
Phormis was a comedy writer.
What nationality was Phormis?
Phormis was Greek.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Phormis. https://biography.guide/phormis/
MLA: "Phormis." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/phormis/.
Chicago: "Phormis." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/phormis/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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