Alcaeus
/ælˈsiːəs/noun
Alcaeus was an ancient Greek lyric poet from Mytilene on the island of Lesbos, active in the late seventh and early sixth centuries BCE.
Did you know?Alcaeus wrote political, drinking, and martial songs, and his name later gave English the poetic term “Alcaic,” describing a distinctive Greek meter.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂elk-
“To ward off, defend, or possess strength; the reconstructed root behind Greek terms connected with might and protection.”
Archaic Greek
Greek
ἀλκή (alkḗ)
“Strength, defensive power, prowess, or valor.”
Archaic Greek
Greek
Ἀλκαῖος (Alkaîos)
“A personal name meaning strong, mighty, or possessing prowess.”
1st Century BCE
Latin
Alcaeus
“The Latin form of the Greek poet’s name, used by Roman writers discussing Greek literature.”
16th Century
English
Alcaeus
“The poet’s name enters English scholarly and literary usage.”
Modern English
English
Alcaeus
“The established English name for the ancient Greek lyric poet.”
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