A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Ἡρόστρατος), a merchant of Naucratis in Egypt, who, in one of his voyages, bought at Paphos a little image of Aphrodite. (Ol. 23, B. C. 688-685.) On his return to Naucratis a storm ensued, which was stilled by the goddess, who regarded Naucratis with especial favour, and who, as a sign of her presence with Herostratus and his crew, caused myrtles to spring forth all around her. Herostratus, when safely landed, gave an entertainment to his friends, to celebrate his deliverance, and presented each of his guests with a myrtle crown: hence such a chaplet was called στέφανος Ναυκρατίτης. (Polycharm. apud Athen. xv. pp. 675, f. 676, a, b; Casaub. ad loc. ; comp. Hdt. 2.135.)

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