Persica

The Persica was a lost verse chronicle written by Choerilus, a Greek epic poet from Samos who flourished in the 5th century BCE. This work is notable because it likely recounted the events of the Persian Wars, a departure from earlier epics that focused on mythology. Choerilus's poem is considered an innovation for treating recent historical events. According to Plutarch, Choerilus was later commissioned by the Spartan general Lysander to compose verses celebrating his achievements. Choerilus died at the court of Archelaus, king of Macedonia. Only scant fragments of his poetry survive, including a lament for the decline of the epic tradition, which he felt he represented as one of its last practitioners.1