Luciano di Samosata

2nd-century Syrian-born, Greek-writing satirist and rhetorician, author of La Storia Vera (True History).

Lucian (Luciano di Samosata) was a Greek-language writer from Samosata active in the 2nd century AD, known for satirical and dialogic works. He wrote La Storia Vera (True History), parodic and fantastical prose, and composed dialogues such as the Dialogues of the Dead. He was active during the reign of Marcus Aurelius (referred to in the review).

The available review celebrates La Storia Vera (True History) as a bold, erudite satire often regarded as an early example of fantasy. Lucian is presented as a 2nd-century Syrian-born, Greek-writing intellectual whose work mixes learned references with savage comedy. The review emphasizes Lucian's imaginative parody of epic and historiography.

For:Readers of classical literature, students of ancient satire, fans of proto-fantasy and literary parody.