Alexander of Lycopolis

Alexander was a Platonist of Lycopolis in Upper Egypt who wrote a short treatise against the teaching of Mani, probably about the end of the third century. It is the earliest surviving pagan philosophical reply to Manichaeism and also describes Christian philosophy.

Dates

active ca. 300 (approximate)

See or city

Lycopolis (modern Asyut)

Region

Egypt

Notes

A Platonist philosopher of Lycopolis in the Thebaid. Later writers (e.g. Photius) call him a convert to Christianity and bishop; the treatise itself shows him as a pagan Platonist who regards Christian teaching with respect.

Works

• Against the Doctrines of ManiContra Manichaei opiniones disputatio · ca. 280–320 · CPG number not yet checked