Killing Eratosthenes

"The victim, a young man named Eratosthenes, was naked when he was killed, and he had his hands tied behind his back."

About the Book

Debra Hamel’s Killing Eratosthenes: A True Crime Story from Ancient Athens tells the true story of a murder trial that took place in ancient Athens. Euphiletus, the defendant, freely admitted to killing Eratosthenes, whom he'd found in bed with his wife. But he argued that his execution of the young man was legally justified. Killing Eratosthenes talks readers through Euphiletus' version of events—from the early days of his marriage to the night he killed his wife's lover—providing relevant background along the way. The book is intended for a general audience. No prior knowledge of the period is required.

Pronunciation

Cast Your Ballot

Unfortunately, we don't know what verdict was reached in Euphiletus' trial two and a half millennia ago. But readers of Killing Eratosthenes are invited to cast their votes for his guilt or innocence in the poll below.