Philostratus the Lemnian (Φιλόστρατος ὁ Λήμνιος) was a Greek sophist of the late 2nd and early 3rd centuries CE, active during the period of the Second Sophistic [1]. His epithet distinguishes him from other intellectuals in the extended "Philostrati" family and indicates an association with the island of Lemnos. He was a student of Hippodromus of Larissa and the teacher of Apsines of Gadara, placing him within a clear pedagogical lineage [1]. Philostratus the Athenian describes him as an orator who employed a plain and concise style, specializing in epideictic oratory [1].

His only surviving work is the Heroicus (Ἡρωϊκός), a prose dialogue [2][3][4].

Philostratus the Lemnian is significant as the author of the Heroicus, a unique text that illuminates the cultural preoccupations of the educated Greek elite under Roman rule. The work engages with Homeric criticism, local hero cults, and the mythology of the Trojan War, showcasing the period's sophisticated engagement with the classical past [2][3][4]. His role as a connective figure between major sophists also highlights the institutional networks of rhetorical education during the Second Sophistic.

Sources 1. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Philostratus): https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/philostratus/ 2. Perseus Digital Library (Philostratus Heroicus): https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:2008.01.0610 3. ToposText (Philostratus Heroicus): https://topostext.org/work/741 4. Encyclopædia Britannica (Philostratus): https://www.britannica.com/biography/Philostratus-Byzantine-philosopher