Herostratus
Arsonist who destroyed a Wonder for notoriety.
Herostratus, also known as Eratostratus (fl. His name has become an eponym for someone who commits a crime solely to become famous. Few details about his life survive, and his identity is largely shrouded in mystery.
- born
- Unknown
- field
- Arsonist
- nationality
- Uncertain; possibly Ephesian or non-Ephesian, possibly a slave or former slave
- known_for
- Burning the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus to gain everlasting fame
Lore & Background
He was swiftly arrested and tortured, during which he confessed his intentions: to gain everlasting fame, shortly before being executed. The arson prompted a damnatio memoriae law barring mention of his name, although many ancient writers, including the contemporary historian Theopompus, documented him. While Herostratus is thought to have been spurred on by resentment at what he saw as societal injustice, his exact motives are not known with any certainty. Some historians have suggested he was non-Ephesian by birth or a slave, but this remains uncertain. Nothing whatsoever of his family, birthdate, residence, job, or place in society is known. It is sometimes assumed he was a citizen of Ephesus, near modern Selçuk, Turkey, but this remains uncertain. Some suppose he belonged to a low social standing. The leading theory since antiquity suggests he grew resentful at some perceived injustice and could not attain a good reputation, which thrust him toward the act. Greek satirist Lucian proposed that jealousy or a feeling of mediocrity motivated Herostratus.
Reader's Guide
Herostratus' legacy is that of a figure who sought fame through destruction. His name has become a term for someone who commits a crime to achieve notoriety or self-glorification, and 'Herostratic fame' refers to fame sought at any cost. The damnatio memoriae law intended to erase his name instead guaranteed his posthumous fame, as numerous ancient writers recorded him. Modern scholars argue that his crime prefigured modern terrorist acts, including the assassination of Empress Elisabeth of Austria and the September 11 attacks. His life and crime have been adapted extensively in Western literature since the Middle Ages, with works by Alessandro Verri, Jean-Paul Sartre, and others repurposing him into a fictional character. The 1967 film 'Herostratus' critiques a society drenched in advertising that exploits youth. Herostratus is sometimes considered the first terrorist.
Did You Know?
- Herostratus confessed under torture that he burned the temple to gain everlasting fame.
- The Ephesians passed a damnatio memoriae law forbidding anyone from mentioning his name, but many ancient writers still documented him.
- The first ancient writer to mention Herostratus was Theopompus, a contemporary of the arson.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Herostratus actually do?
He set fire to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, a structure widely regarded in his era as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. His stated motive was to secure a name that would be remembered by posterity forever.
Why is the name "Herostratus" still referenced today?
It has become a standard eponym for anyone who commits a violent or destructive act solely to attract widespread public attention. The term links the modern idea of fame-seeking crime directly back to that one ancient incident in Ephesus.
What is known about Herostratus's background and origins?
His birthplace, social standing, and even whether he was an Ephesian or an outsider remain uncertain. A few ancient writers hint he may have been a slave or former slave, but no single source provides a reliable biographical sketch.
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