While other female poets existed in ancient Greece, Sappho's work has survived in a greater quantity and quality than any other. Her poetry, known for its passionate and sensual tone, has captivated readers for centuries.
However, it's crucial to note that the historical context of her work is important to understand. The surviving fragments of Sappho's poetry are mostly from lyrical poems, suggesting she was a performer.
Despite the admiration and influence she wielded in her time, it is important to acknowledge that she was a woman in a patriarchal society, and her work was likely seen through the lens of that time.
While "greatest" is a subjective term, Sappho's enduring influence and her ability to convey such raw emotion in her work undoubtedly place her among the most significant poets of the ancient world.