Abstract

The paper presents a late antique collection of arithmetical epigrams attributed to Metrodorus. The main aim is a reconstruction of Metrodorus’ text, that consisted of roughly 40 mathematical problems plus solutions. The reconstruction is based on the epigrams and scholia to be found in the Greek Anthology (book 14). The first section of the paper deals with questions of textual transmission, authorship, dating, language and style. The second part examines typical topics of the epigrams, their place in the literary tradition, instances of moral admonition that can be found in some of them as well as the deeper meaning of the numbers involved in solving the problems. The last section considers the purpose for which Metrodorus’ collection might have been composed. Finally, the reconstructed Greek text is presented in an appendix.