Philostratus

Lucius Flavius Philostratus, often referred to as Philostratus the Athenian, was a prominent Greek sophist during the Roman imperial period. Born around the 170s AD, his life extended into the 240s AD, possibly ending in Tyre. He flourished under the reign of Septimius Severus and died during the reign of Philip the Arab. His father was also a minor sophist of the same name. Philostratus's origins are somewhat ambiguous, with suggestions of being from Lemnos, Athens, or Tyre, but he is commonly referred to as an Athenian. He was a member of the intellectual circle surrounding Empress Julia Domna in Rome. His major contributions to literature include "Life of Apollonius of Tyana," a biography of the Pythagorean philosopher Apollonius of Tyana, written for Julia Domna. Another significant work is "Lives of the Sophists," a collection of semi-biographical sketches of prominent Greek sophists, divided into ancient and later schools. He also authored "Gymnasticus," concerning athletic contests, "Heroicus," a dialogue about the hero Protesilaus, and "Epistolae," a collection of love letters. His works are characterized by vivid descriptions and a focus on rhetorical style, often contrasting the sophist's embellishment of truth with the philosopher's pursuit of it.