Menecrates of Syracuse
Encyclopedia
For other uses, see Menecrates
Menecrates of Syracuse was the physician at the court of Philip of Macedon
, 359—336 BC. He seems to have been a successful practitioner, but to have made himself ridiculous by calling himself Zeus
, and assuming divine honours. He once wrote a letter to Philip, beginning :
He was invited one day by Philip to a magnificent entertainment, where the other guests were sumptuously fed, while he himself had nothing but incense and libations, as not being subject to the human infirmity of hunger. He was at first pleased with his reception, but afterwards, perceiving the joke and finding that no more substantial food was offered him, he left the party in disgust.
Menecrates
Menecrates is the name of:*Menecrates of Ephesus, ancient Greek poet*Menecrates of Syracuse, physician to Philip of Macedon*Menecrates of Xanthus, ancient Greek historian*Menecrates , ancient Greek sculptor...
Menecrates of Syracuse was the physician at the court of Philip of Macedon
Philip II of Macedon
Philip II of Macedon "friend" + ἵππος "horse" — transliterated ; 382 – 336 BC), was a king of Macedon from 359 BC until his assassination in 336 BC. He was the father of Alexander the Great and Philip III.-Biography:...
, 359—336 BC. He seems to have been a successful practitioner, but to have made himself ridiculous by calling himself Zeus
Zeus
In the ancient Greek religion, Zeus was the "Father of Gods and men" who ruled the Olympians of Mount Olympus as a father ruled the family. He was the god of sky and thunder in Greek mythology. His Roman counterpart is Jupiter and his Etruscan counterpart is Tinia.Zeus was the child of Cronus...
, and assuming divine honours. He once wrote a letter to Philip, beginning :
He was invited one day by Philip to a magnificent entertainment, where the other guests were sumptuously fed, while he himself had nothing but incense and libations, as not being subject to the human infirmity of hunger. He was at first pleased with his reception, but afterwards, perceiving the joke and finding that no more substantial food was offered him, he left the party in disgust.