Philostratus of Lemnos

Philostratus of Lemnos, also called Philostratus the Elder, lived around 190 to 230 AD. He was a Greek teacher and writer when the Roman Empire ruled.

He came from the island of Lemnos.

He may have been related to another famous writer named Philostratus of Athens. Some books once thought to be written by his uncle are now thought to be by Philostratus of Lemnos.

As a sophist, meaning a skilled speaker and teacher, Philostratus shared ideas and stories from his time. His work helps us learn about life in the Roman imperial period.

Works

Eikones (Images) tells about 64 pictures in a gallery in Naples. Some people believe these are real artworks, while others do not. The book shows how old artists showed myths and stories in a lovely way. A second set of Images was made later by his grandson.

Heroicus, or On Heroes, talks about heroes from the Trojan War. It is written like a conversation between a Thracian worker and a Phoenician trader. The book speaks well of Palamedes and says Homer was not fair to him. Some believe this book was written by another Philostratus from Athens.