Philogelos

The Philogelos (Greek Φιλόγελως, dt "Laughing friend " ) is the only surviving collection of 265 jokes from antiquity.

The work is written in the Greek language. As authors Hierocles and Philagrios are called, who collected orally transmitted jokes and even those took over from other writings. The compilation of Philogelos may have been completed only in the Roman imperial period, as we celebrated the millennium of Rome in 248 AD is mentioned. Ancient joke collections but are mentioned in Plautus.

The collection is organized thematically. Subject of humorous jokes are studied, covetous, boasters, a fool, Abderites, Sidonians, witted, Kymäer, Grumpy, untalented, cowards, lazy, envious, wolverines, drinkers, people with bad breath, women, and women enemies. The purpose of the combination is not secured. Participants in ancient feasts told while talking also anecdotes and jokes. Therefore, joke books suitable for the preparation of such a social event.