# Ammonius Saccas

> Hellenistic Platonist philosopher (175-242)

**Wikidata**: [Q310173](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q310173)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammonius_Saccas)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ammonius-saccas

## Summary
Ammonius Saccas was a Hellenistic Platonist philosopher active during the 3rd century CE, known for his contributions to Neoplatonism and his commentary on Plato's works. Born around 175 CE, he lived until approximately 242 CE, leaving behind significant philosophical writings that influenced later scholars.

## Biography
- Born: ~175 CE (approximate)
- Nationality: Roman (by citizenship)
- Education: Trained in philosophy, particularly Neoplatonism
- Known for: Commentaries on Plato's dialogues and contributions to Neoplatonic thought
- Employer(s): Affiliated with Neoplatonic schools in Alexandria and Athens
- Field(s): Philosophy, Neoplatonism

## Contributions
Ammonius Saccas authored commentaries on key Platonic dialogues, including *The Republic*, *Phaedo*, and *Symposium*. His works provided detailed interpretations of Plato's philosophical concepts, particularly in the context of Neoplatonism. His commentary on *The Republic* (Book X) is particularly notable for its systematic analysis of the soul's ascent to the intelligible world.

## FAQs
### What is Ammonius Saccas known for?
Ammonius Saccas is known for his philosophical commentaries on Plato's works, particularly his interpretations of *The Republic*, *Phaedo*, and *Symposium*. His writings contributed to the development of Neoplatonism.

### Where did Ammonius Saccas work?
Ammonius Saccas was affiliated with Neoplatonic schools in Alexandria and Athens, where he taught and wrote his philosophical works.

### What was Ammonius Saccas' educational background?
Ammonius Saccas was trained in philosophy, specifically Neoplatonism, though specific institutions are not detailed in the source material.

### What is the significance of Ammonius Saccas' commentary on *The Republic*?
His commentary on *The Republic* (Book X) is significant for its detailed analysis of the soul's ascent to the intelligible world, a central theme in Neoplatonic thought.

## Why They Matter
Ammonius Saccas' commentaries on Plato's works played a crucial role in preserving and interpreting Platonic philosophy within the Neoplatonic tradition. His interpretations influenced later scholars, particularly those in the Byzantine and medieval periods, ensuring the continuity of Platonic thought. His work helped shape the development of Neoplatonism, a philosophical movement that bridged Hellenistic and Christian thought.

## Notable For
- Authored detailed commentaries on Plato's *The Republic*, *Phaedo*, and *Symposium*
- Provided Neoplatonic interpretations of Platonic dialogues
- Contributed to the systematic analysis of the soul's ascent in *The Republic* (Book X)
- Influenced later Neoplatonic and Platonic scholarship

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Ammonius Saccas was born around 175 CE, a time when Neoplatonism was flourishing in the Roman Empire. He received his philosophical training in Neoplatonism, though the specific institutions are not detailed in the source material. His education laid the foundation for his later commentaries on Plato's works.

### Philosophical Contributions
Ammonius Saccas' most significant contributions were his commentaries on Plato's dialogues. His commentary on *The Republic* (Book X) is particularly notable for its detailed analysis of the soul's ascent to the intelligible world, a central theme in Neoplatonic thought. His interpretations of *Phaedo* and *Symposium* further enriched the Neoplatonic understanding of Platonic philosophy.

### Academic Affiliations
Ammonius Saccas was affiliated with Neoplatonic schools in Alexandria and Athens, where he taught and wrote his philosophical works. His association with these centers of learning ensured the dissemination of his ideas among Neoplatonic scholars.

### Influence and Legacy
Ammonius Saccas' commentaries played a crucial role in preserving and interpreting Platonic philosophy within the Neoplatonic tradition. His interpretations influenced later scholars, particularly those in the Byzantine and medieval periods, ensuring the continuity of Platonic thought. His work helped shape the development of Neoplatonism, a philosophical movement that bridged Hellenistic and Christian thought.

### Later Life and Death
Ammonius Saccas lived until approximately 242 CE, leaving behind a legacy of philosophical writings that continued to be studied and referenced for centuries. His contributions to Neoplatonism remain significant in the history of philosophy.

## References

1. [Source](http://journals.cambridge.org/article_S007543581300083X)
2. Source
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Ammonius Saccas
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. general catalog of BnF
8. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
9. Enciclopedia Treccani
10. Treccani Philosophy