Nymphidianus of Smyrna
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Nymphidianus of Smyrna
, was a Neoplatonist and sophist who lived in the time of the emperor Julian
(c. 360 AD). He was the brother of Maximus. Julian, who was greatly attached to Maximus, made Nymphidianus his interpreter and Greek secretary, though he was more fit to write declamations and disputations than letters. Eunapius
thought that Nymphidianus was a worthy sophist even though he had not been educated at Athens
(where Eunapius had been educated). Nymphidianus survived his brother Maximus, and died at an advanced age.
Smyrna
Smyrna was an ancient city located at a central and strategic point on the Aegean coast of Anatolia. Thanks to its advantageous port conditions, its ease of defence and its good inland connections, Smyrna rose to prominence. The ancient city is located at two sites within modern İzmir, Turkey...
, was a Neoplatonist and sophist who lived in the time of the emperor Julian
Julian the Apostate
Julian "the Apostate" , commonly known as Julian, or also Julian the Philosopher, was Roman Emperor from 361 to 363 and a noted philosopher and Greek writer....
(c. 360 AD). He was the brother of Maximus. Julian, who was greatly attached to Maximus, made Nymphidianus his interpreter and Greek secretary, though he was more fit to write declamations and disputations than letters. Eunapius
Eunapius
Eunapius was a Greek sophist and historian of the 4th century. His principal surviving work is the Lives of the Sophists, a collection of the biographies of twenty-three philosophers and sophists.-Life:He was born at Sardis, AD 347...
thought that Nymphidianus was a worthy sophist even though he had not been educated at Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
(where Eunapius had been educated). Nymphidianus survived his brother Maximus, and died at an advanced age.