Synagōgē pasōn lexeōn kata stoicheion

work by Hesychius

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July 14, 2026

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The Synagōgē pasōn lexeōn kata stoicheion (meaning "Alphabetical Collection of All Words") was a significant Greek lexicon compiled by Hesychius of Alexandria, who flourished in the 5th century AD. This work is highly valued for its insights into the dialects and vocabularies found in ancient inscriptions, poetic texts, and the writings of Greek Church Fathers.1

Hesychius based his lexicon on earlier specialized lexica, notably borrowing from Diogenianus of Heraclea. However, Hesychius added his own original contributions, including interpretations of Homeric proverbs, citations from classical authors, and vocabulary from various dialects. The lexicon has survived through a 15th-century abridgement, which, despite alterations, still offers valuable linguistic information.1

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Hesychius of Alexandria
Entitled Synagōgē pasōn lexeōn kata stoicheion (“Alphabetical Collection of All Words”), the lexicon was based on other accessible specialized lexica dating to the 1st century bc, but Hesychius particularly borrowed from Diogenianus of Heraclea, a 2nd-century-ad language scholar from a Greek colony in what is now…
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Entitled Synagōgē pasōn lexeōn kata stoicheion (“Alphabetical Collection of All Words”), the lexicon was based on other accessible specialized lexica dating to the 1st century bc, but Hesychius particularly borrowed from Diogenianus of Heraclea, a 2nd-century-ad language scholar from a Greek colony in what is now…
Read More