Sappho

Sappho was an ancient Greek poet. She was born on the island of Lesbos around 630 BC. She wrote beautiful poems about love, nature, and friendship. The ancient Greeks considered her one of the greatest poets who ever lived.

Early Life

Sappho was born into a noble family on the Greek island of Lesbos. She lived in a community of women and girls. She wrote poetry and taught music and singing. She was famous across the ancient Greek world.

An ancient stone head believed to show the poet Sappho.
An ancient stone head believed to show the poet Sappho. (Unknown artistUnknown artist / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

Sappho wrote about nine books of poetry, but most have been lost. Only one complete poem survives. The ancient Greeks called her the Tenth Muse. Her fragments of poetry are still studied and loved today, over 2,500 years later.

Fun Facts

  • Plato called Sappho the Tenth Muse.
  • Only one complete poem of hers survives today.
  • The word sapphic comes from her name.

Did You Know?

Most of Sappho's poems were lost over the centuries. Some fragments were found wrapped around Egyptian mummies as packing material. Even these small pieces are considered some of the most beautiful poetry ever written.