Peter Fraser (classicist)

Peter Marshall Fraser (1918 – 2007) was a prominent British classical scholar, specializing in Hellenistic history, literature, and archaeology. He is best known for his monumental work, Ptolemaic Alexandria, a three-volume study published in 1972, which remains a definitive resource on the social, cultural, and intellectual life of Alexandria during the Ptolemaic period.

Fraser was educated at Highgate School and Brasenose College, Oxford. His academic career included positions at the University of Leeds and, most significantly, at All Souls College, Oxford, where he was a Senior Research Fellow.

Beyond Ptolemaic Alexandria, Fraser's scholarly output includes numerous articles and contributions to edited volumes focusing on topics such as Greek inscriptions, Hellenistic religion, and the history of the island of Rhodes. He also wrote extensively on the history of libraries in the ancient world.

Fraser's work is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail, its comprehensive scope, and its insightful analysis of textual and archaeological evidence. He made significant contributions to our understanding of the Hellenistic world and its lasting impact on Western civilization. His scholarship continues to be highly regarded and widely cited by scholars in the field.