Antiochus of Athens
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Antiochus of Athens was an influential Hellenistic astrologer, probably from the late 2nd century A.D., who wrote a Thesaurus and possibly an introduction to astrology. Intact writings have not survived, but he is extensively quoted or paraphrased by later writers, particularly the Neoplatonist Porphyry, who may have encountered Antiochus' work when he studied at Plato's Academy in Athens. There is also a later Byzantine epitome, or summary, of his work.
Antiochus was well-respected by later astrologers and philosophers, since not only does the Thesaurus appear to be the basis of Porphyry's third-century Introduction to the Tetrabiblos of Ptolemy, but Antiochus is also quoted at length by Hephaistio of Thebes (380 A.D.) and Rhetorius (in the sixth or seventh century A.D.), as well as being referenced by Julius Firmicus Maternus (~336 A.D.) and Palchus.
Antiochus is particularly useful because for his definitions of terminology. Porphyry relies heavily on him for definitions of Ptolemy's terms. Antiochus has one of the earliest references to astrological reception, and provides good explanations of the subtleties of Hellenistic aspects between zoidia (or signs.) In addition, Antiochus provides one of the few descriptions we have of the Hellenistic decans, which are ten-degree segments of each sign which appear to affect the dignity of planets, much as triplicity placements do. He gives what information we do have about the interpretation of decans by astrologers of his time.
Antiochus had considerable influence on post-Classical astrologers, particularly the Arabs who cite him liberally.
SOURCES
Antiochus of Athens. The Thesaurus. Project Hindsight Greek Track, 1993 [translated by Robert Schmidt, edited by Robert Hand.]
Marilynn Lawrence (West Chester U. of Penn.) in The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Hellenistic Astrology [1] -- section on Porphyry.
Bill Johnston, article on Oktotopos for Association for Young Astrologers, retrieved January 6, 2006 [2]
Robert Schmidt, Project Hindsight [3] -- on Antiochus and Porphyry.
Deborah Houlding at Skyscript [4] -- article on reception.
