What is "philostratus"

Philostratus or Lucius Flavius Philostratus (; ; c. 170/172 – 247/250), called "the Athenian", was a Greek sophist of the Roman imperial period. His father was a minor sophist of the same name. He was born probably around 172, and is said by the Suda to have been living in the reign of emperor Philip the Arab (244–249). His death possibly occurred in Tyre c. 250 AD.

Philostratus may refer to any of four members of Philostratus family in ancient Greece:

• Philostratus I: Philostratus (son of Verus), the father of Flavius Philostratus, and a sophist.
• Philostratus II: Philostratus (Lucius Flavius Philostratus) "the Athenian", (170 – 247) was a Greek sophist of the Roman imperial period.
• Philostratus III: Philostratus of Lemnos (c. 190 – c. 230 AD), a son-in-law and probably nephew of Flavius Philostratus, probably author of the 1st series of Imagines
• Philostratus IV: Philostratus the Younger (fl. 3rd century AD), grandson of Philostratus of Lemnos; author of a 2nd series of Imagines