person
Democritus of Sicyon
Democritus
also: Democritus Sicyonius
A Greek of Sicyon, guest-friend (hospes) and intimate of Cicero, praised for his probity, worth, and liberality toward his guests. Cicero describes him as nearly the foremost man of Achaea and commends him to A. Allienus (Fam. 13.78, 46 BC). Otherwise unknown.
Reading notes
- Ad Familiares 13.78 §1 is not only my host
"Host" renders hospes, a partner in hospitium: the formal, heritable bond of guest-friendship by which a Roman and a foreigner each owed the other lodging, protection, and good offices. It is the standing relationship that underwrites this letter of recommendation.