Apollonius of Tyana

Apollonius of Tyana

 Apollonius of Tyana (c. 1 – 98 A.D.) is a Neopythagorean philosopher. By destructed sources at the beginning of the III century the sophist Flavius Philostratus composed the biography called “Life of Apollonius of Tyana in 8 books written at the request of empress Julia Domna. According to the life history written by Philostratus Apollonius was born into a respected and wealthy family in Cappadocian town of Tyana. Young addicted to philosophy and ascesis he spent his youth in the temple of Asclepius in Aigai, experienced a five year novitiate of silence and all his rest life he spent in wanderings. He descended the succession left after his parents’ death for his brothers. While travelling he crossed all Asia Minor and even tried to get into India so that to become acquainted with the teaching of Brahmans. Everywhere he performed as a preacher-moralist and assured that he could foretell the future and make miracles. Though Nero had banished all wonder-workers and magicians from Rome Apollonius directed his steps there but nevertheless he had to leave that city. Having visited Spain after Nero’s death he made his way through Italy into Greece and from there to Roman Egypt where Vespasian was getting ready to seize power and took advantage of Apollonius’ authority and reputation; eventually he also visited Ethiopia. Having returned from Egypt he also found a gracious welcome at Titus’. With accession of Domitianus he was accused of initiating a rebellion in Egypt in favor of Nerva, he was imprisoned, faced trial on his own free will and was acquitted. After going around Greece once more Apollonius settled in Ephesus where he founded Pythagorean School, and he died at the age of almost 100 years old having refused the invitation of Nerva to go to Rome.

There are other evidences which ascertain the period of Apollonius’ life: according to Lucian Alexander of Abonitichus learned from Apollonius which points to 120 A.D.; and Cassius Dio says that Apollonius was 95 when he had a vision of Domitianus’ murder in Ephesus.