Hermogene ̄s of Alabanda (200 – 150 BCE)
Architect and architectural theorist, cited often by V, who seems to have relied
heavily on Hermogene ̄s’ treatises for the Ionic order. Hermogene ̄s considered the Doric
order unsuitable for temples because of the difficulty of arranging its frieze over a peristyle
with harmonious proportions. He changed the Temple of Dionysus at Teos – on which he
wrote a treatise – from Doric to Ionic, apparently in mid-construction (Vitr. 3.3.1, 3.3.8,
4.3.1). He also wrote on his Temple of Artemis at Magnesia (Vitr., 3.2.6, 3.3.6–9, 7.pr.12).
Other buildings stylistically attributed to him include a Temple of Zeus at Magnesia, and
monumental altars at Prie ̄ne ̄ and Magnesia. He used modular grids as a method of design.
His interest in proportions, favoring eustyle, can be found in some of his attributed works;
he also revived the pseudodipteral plan, little used since the archaic period, and 5th c. BCE
atticisms. His temples show some influence from P’ Temple of Athena at Prie ̄ne ̄.
Hermogene ̄s combined an appreciation of historical precedent with new ideas about space,
proportion and efficient building; his writings seem to have had a didactic and theoretical
aspect. Debate continues over dating buildings attributed to him and the man himself: some
place him earlier in the late 3rd c. BCE, or later in the mid 2nd c. BCE. Hermogene ̄s’ version
of the Ionic order became canonical through Vitruuius, and still endures after revival in the
Renaissance.
J. Pollitt, Art in the Hellenistic Age (1986) 242–247; W. Hoepfner and E.L. Schwander, edd., Hermogenes
und die hochhellenistische Architektur (1990); KLA 1.305–310, W. Hoepfner; BNP 6 (2005) 232–234, H.
Knell.
Margaret M. Miles
Hermogene ̄s of Smurna (30 – 70 CE?)
Pharmacist cited by G, Simples 1.29 (11.432 K.), as exemplary of the Erasistratean
school, as H was of the Pneumaticists, M (P.) was of the
Askle ̄piadeans, and Z was of the He ̄rophileans. O, Ecl. Med. 109.2 (CMG
6.2.2, p. 287), cites his plaster against infections of the extremities: grind frankincense,
copper-flakes, iron-rust, and honey together in the sun until pale yellow, wash the affected
spot with wine, apply with olive oil. Another is preserved by A P, Dyn. 63.4:
lime and orpiment, but omit the khalkitis, he says. Despite the frequency of the name
(LGPN), the He ̄rophilean pharmacist has been identified with the historian doctor of CIG
3311 = Inschr. Smyrn. 1 (1982) #536, who died aged 77 having written a like number of
medical scrolls, a History of Smurna, Stadiasmoi of Asia and Europe, and other works. The
father of the epigraphic Hermogene ̄s is Kharide ̄mos, identified with the He ̄rophilean
K. The Hermogene ̄s of Smurna, however, whose wife was Melitine ̄ (CIG 3350)
is 2nd c. BCE: Inschr. Smyrn. 1 (1982) #118, whereas Hadrian’s physician (Dio Cassius
69.22.3) is 138 CE. The epigraphic doctor is perhaps the target of epigrams by Nikarkhos
of Alexandria (Anth. Pal. 11.114) and the Neronian-era Lucilius (Anth. Pal. 11.131, 257), as
surgeon (257), and slayer of the astrologer Diophantos (114, 131). Gale ̄n’s citation does not
greatly restrict the date of Hermogene ̄s, who may be either of the Smurnian doctors, or
neither.
RE 8.1 (1912) 877–878 (#23), H. Gossen; FGrHist 579.
PTK
HERMOGENE ̄S OF SMURNA