7. Iconism and characterism of Polybius Rhetor, Trypho and Publius Rutilius Lupus Rhetor

Abstract

Physiognomy, as is well-known, is a peculiar branch of philosophy that claims to infer moral and behavioral characteristics from physical characteristics. It is commonly thought that physiognomy was invented by Pythagoras or, in the medical field, by the famous Hippocrates.1 However, physiognomy reached its decisive moment of theoretical reflection with Aristotle. This contribution, which results from a broader, long-term work that is in progress, seeks to add to the set of well-known treatises on Greek physiognomy a number of late Byzantine texts written by authors such as Daretes of Phrygia,2 John Malalas,3 Tzetzes Grammaticus,4 and Isaac Porphyrogenitus.5