iconoclasm means symbols of a culture (like icons or monuments) being destroyed by people of that same culture. this is usually done for religious or political motives. often, it occurs together with major political or religious changes. it is generally distinct from destruction by foreigners, for example by spanish conquistadors in america. the term does not generally include the specific destruction of images of a ruler after his death or overthrow ("damnatio memoriae"), for example akhenaten in ancient egypt.