A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Ἱμεραῖος), of the borough of Phalerus in Attica, was son of Phanostratus, and brother of the celebrated Demetrius Phalereus. We know but little of his life or political career, but it seems certain that he early adopted political views altogether opposed to those of his brother, and became a warinm supporter of the anti-Macedonian party at Athens. He is first mentioned as joining with Hyperides and others in prosecuting before the court of Areiopagus all those who were accused of having received bribes from Harpalus, Demosthenes among the rest. (Vit. X. Oratt. p. 846; Phot. p. 494a.) During the Lamian war he united zealously in the efforts of the Athenians to throw off the yoke of Macedonia, and was in consequence one of the orators whose surrender was exacted by Antipater after his victory at Cranon. To escape the fate that awaited him, he fled from Athens to Aegina, and took refuge, together with Hyperides and Aristonicus, in the temple of Aeacus; but they were forced from this sanctuary by Archias, and sent prisoners to Antipater, who immediately put them all to death, B. C. 322. (Plut. Dem. 28; Arrian, apud Phot. p. 69b.; Athen. 12.542.) Lucian speaks very disparagingly of Himeraeus, as a mere demagogue, indebted to the circumstances of the moment for a temporary influence. (Encom. Demosth. 31.) Of the justice of this character we have no means of judging.

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