Apollonius of Rhodes was an ancient Greek poet and scholar, born around 295 BCE in Rhodes. He is best known for his epic poem, the Argonautica, which tells the story of Jason and the Argonauts as they embark on a quest for the Golden Fleece. This work is notable for its blend of adventure and romance, and it significantly influenced later literature. In addition to his poetry, Apollonius was a prominent figure in the Library of Alexandria, where he contributed to the study of Homer and other classical texts. His work helped shape the tradition of epic poetry in the Hellenistic period.