What is iconoclasm?
Q: What is iconoclasm?
A: Iconoclasm is the destruction of symbols or monuments of a culture by people of that same culture, usually for religious or political motives.
Q: How does it differ from destruction by foreigners?
A: It differs in that it is done by people within the same culture, rather than by foreigners such as Spanish conquistadors in America.
Q: Who are iconoclasts?
A: Iconoclasts are people who engage in or support iconoclasm. They may also be used to describe people who are against established dogmata or conventions.
Q: Who are idolators?
A: Idolators are people who revere or venerate religious images. In an Eastern Orthodox context they are known as iconodules, or iconophiles.
Q: Is iconoclasm always motivated by religion?
A: Not necessarily; however, it often occurs together with major political and religious changes and in Christianity it has generally been motivated by a literal interpretation of the Ten Commandments which forbid making and worshipping graven images of God.
Q: Are there any exceptions to this rule?
A: Yes, one exception would be the specific destruction of images of a ruler after his death or overthrow (damnatio memoriae), for example Akhenaten in Ancient Egypt.
