abstract:In Greek mythology, Polystratus (Πολύστρατος) was a handsome youth beloved by Heracles. He is solely known from an epigram uncovered in Dyme, Achaea, which is ascribed to Alcaeus of Messene: according to it, Polystratus accompanied Heracles in his campaign against the Molionidae and was killed in the battle, whereupon Heracles cut the hair off the top of his own head as a sign of grief.