This paper discusses Eratosthenes’ and Aristarchus’ work on the relative chronology of Homer and Hesiod. Eratosthenes argued that the geographical notions found in Hesiod’s poems testified that he had lived later than Homer. Aristarchus held the same view, extending the scope of Eratosthenes’ analysis of the Iliad and the Odyssey from geography to mythology and the usage of language. The arguments Eratosthenes used to prove his point show that he already employed in his study of the epics a historicizing approach, a methodological innovation that is generally attributed to Aristarchus.

Il contributo discute il lavoro di Eratostene e di Aristarco sulla cronologia relativa di Omero e di Esiodo.