1001Philosophers

Numenius of Apamea c. 150 AD – c. 200 AD

Numenius of Apamea (c. 150 AD – c. 200 AD) was a Greek-Syrian philosopher of the Ancient era, associated with Platonism.

Numenius of Apamea was a Greek-Syrian Pythagorean and Middle Platonist philosopher and one of the most important precursors of Plotinus and Neoplatonism. His doctrine of three gods, with a transcendent Father, a creative Demiurge, and a created world, anticipated the later Neoplatonic hierarchy of being, while his extensive engagement with Jewish and Eastern wisdom traditions, including the famous question of whether Plato is anything but Moses speaking Attic, marks an early stage of cross-cultural philosophical inquiry. His writings survive only in fragments preserved by Eusebius and Proclus.

Key facts

Nationality
Greek-Syrian
Era
Ancient
Movements
Platonism

Selected quotes

  • Attributed to Numenius of Apamea:

    “What is Plato but Moses speaking Attic Greek?”

  • Attributed to Numenius of Apamea:

    “There is one supreme God, beyond the being of the world.”

  • Attributed to Numenius of Apamea:

    “The Demiurge is the second God, the maker of the visible cosmos.”

  • Attributed to Numenius of Apamea:

    “Wisdom is older than philosophy and is found in many peoples.”

  • Attributed to Numenius of Apamea:

    “The soul is immortal and pre-existent to the body.”

Frequently asked about Numenius of Apamea

When did Numenius of Apamea live?
Numenius of Apamea was born in c. 150 AD and died in c. 200 AD.
Where was Numenius of Apamea from?
Numenius of Apamea was a Greek-Syrian philosopher of the Ancient era.
What philosophical movements is Numenius of Apamea associated with?
Numenius of Apamea was associated with Platonism.
What was Numenius of Apamea known for?
Numenius of Apamea was a Greek-Syrian Pythagorean and Middle Platonist philosopher and one of the most important precursors of Plotinus and Neoplatonism.
How many quotes are attributed to Numenius of Apamea?
There are 5 attributed quotations from Numenius of Apamea in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.