There once lived a man in the first century whose life was so remarkable that he was considered by many as a sage, a divine figure, and even as a miracle worker. He performed marvelous feats, lived a life of celibacy, and wandered around preaching. At his life’s end, he was reportedly taken up to heaven, never to be seen again. Sound familiar? It might make you think of Jesus of Nazareth, but this story belongs to Apollonius of Tyana, one of antiquity’s most intriguing figures.
Apollonius was a Pythagorean philosopher whose life closely mirrored that of Jesus in several significant ways. Much of what we know about Apollonius comes from a text called “The Life of Apollonius of Tyana,” written two centuries later by Philostratus. This text, filled with colorful tales and miraculous deeds, might not be entirely historically accurate, but it’s immensely entertaining and gives us a glimpse into this enigmatic figure’s life.
The first century was a tumultuous time filled with pivotal events, including the destruction of Jerusalem and the fire of Rome. It was also the period in which Jesus of Nazareth lived and preached. While we’ve explored Jesus’ life and questioned his historical existence, the consensus is that he was indeed a real person who lived in Judea. But Jesus wasn’t the only one; many claimed to be messiahs, performed miracles, and opposed Roman authorities.
Enter Apollonius of Tyana, a vivid character from Cappadocia in Anatolia, who wandered the Hellenic and Mediterranean world as a holy man. His life bears uncanny resemblances to that of Jesus, making some question the legitimacy of Christ’s story. However, these comparisons aren’t straightforward.
Our primary source, Philostratus, was more interested in captivating his audience with entertaining tales than delivering historical facts. But other sources, such as letters attributed to Apollonius, though their authenticity is debated, provide additional insight. Nonetheless, it’s challenging to separate the historical Apollonius from the legendary one.
Apollonius is remembered as a wonder-working sage and a neo-Pythagorean philosopher. He lived like a Pythagorean, donning long beards, hair, patched clothing, and adhering to a vegetarian diet. Expected to perform miracles, Apollonius fit the Pythagorean mold perfectly. Tales of his life are abundant, from miraculous births and divine visitations to feats like driving out demons and reviving the dead.
Interestingly, Apollonius also journeyed to India to study with the Brahmanas, who he claimed were the originators of Pythagorean doctrine. On returning to the West, he gained fame as a sage, and people flocked to him. Throughout his life, Apollonius traveled the Mediterranean, performing miracles, healing the sick, and predicting the future.
One notable story describes his visit to the Oracle of Trophonius, a daunting experience that left most people traumatized. Yet, Apollonius, embodying a total sage, remained unfazed. Stories of his capabilities, like stopping students from marrying vampires or seeing into the future, are endless and fascinating.
Although Apollonius wasn’t known for his philosophical musings, being a Pythagorean, he probably held beliefs about numbers and the nature of reality. Some texts suggest he rejected animal sacrifices, a common practice at the time, indicating a belief in a transcendent, supreme God.
The death of Apollonius adds another layer of mystery. Some say he vanished during a Roman trial, while others believe his soul ascended to the heavens. Like Jesus, Apollonius’ exact fate remains an enigma, with many stories suggesting divine intervention at his life’s end.
The parallels between Apollonius and Jesus are intriguing and numerous, from miraculous birth stories to performing similar miracles. However, Philostratus’ accounts were written after the gospels and might have aimed to present Apollonius as a Pagan counterpart to Christ, thus countering the growing Christian influence.
Ultimately, while we can’t be certain about the exact historical details of Apollonius’ life, what remains indisputable is the allure and inspiration his tales continue to provide. His stories, whether fact or fiction, illuminate the colorful tapestry of ancient history and philosophy, enriching our understanding and appreciation of that era.
In the end, examining figures like Apollonius of Tyana reminds us why ancient history remains so intriguing—whether these stories are entirely true or not, they offer a fascinating peek into the lives and beliefs of people long past.
