Ammonius Saccas, a Greek philosopher from the 3rd century CE, is one of the pivotal figures in the history of ancient philosophy. His life and teachings were instrumental in the revival of the Neoplatonic school, and he was the teacher of some of the most influential philosophers of the era, including Plotinus, the founder of Neoplatonism, and the philosopher Porphyry. Despite the scarcity of direct sources on his life, Ammonius’ intellectual legacy is firmly embedded in the philosophical traditions of the ancient world.
Ammonius Saccas was born in Alexandria, a city that was the center of learning in the ancient world. His surname “Saccas” means “sack carrier” in Greek, which suggests that he may have originally come from humble origins. His humble beginnings, however, did not hinder his intellectual pursuits. We know little about his early life. He was well-versed in various philosophical traditions, including those of Plato and Aristotle, which he harmonized in his teachings.
Although Ammonius himself wrote no works, his students largely transmitted his philosophical contributions. He believed the teaching of philosophy should be through direct dialogue and personal instruction rather than through the written word. His most famous student, Plotinus, would go on to develop a philosophical system that blended the metaphysical ideas of Plato with the mystical traditions of earlier thinkers.
Neoplatonism, as a philosophical system, is heavily based on the teachings of the Greek philosopher Plato. It was developed further by later philosophers, including Ammonius Saccas, his student Plotinus, and other key figures. Ammonius played a crucial role in the revival of Plato’s philosophy. This revival happened during a time when the intellectual climate of the Roman Empire was experiencing significant change. Religious and philosophical transformations marked the Roman world. Ammonius’ teachings reinvigorated interest in Platonic thought. Platonism had begun to wane in the face of competing schools of thought, particularly Stoicism and Epicureanism.
What set Ammonius apart from other philosophers of his time was his approach to the relationship between philosophy and religion. He believed that philosophy was not merely an intellectual pursuit, but a way to connect with the divine. This is evident in his understanding of the soul’s ascent to the One, which would later become a central theme in the Neoplatonism developed by Plotinus.
Ammonius’ teaching focused on the metaphysical structure of reality. He built upon Plato’s concept of “the Good,” which he saw as the highest form of reality and the source of all existence. In his interpretation, Ammonius emphasized the existence of a single, transcendent source of all being, which he called “the One.” This concept would be central to the development of Neoplatonism, particularly in the works of Plotinus. The latter would later expand on the idea of the One as the ultimate reality.
Ammonius also taught that the soul is inherently one with this divine source. The soul’s journey, in his view, is one of ascent, striving to return to the One. This metaphysical vision laid the foundation for much of later Neoplatonic thought. It focused on the soul’s purification and ascent toward the divine.
Ammonius Saccas’ most famous student was Plotinus, who studied under him in Alexandria and later became the most prominent exponent of Neoplatonism. Plotinus went on to write the “Enneads,” a series of philosophical treatises that built upon the foundation of his teacher’s ideas, developing them into a more systematic philosophy.
In addition to Plotinus, Ammonius’ influence extended to other philosophers such as Porphyry, who was another student of his. Porphyry, a philosopher and student of Plotinus, played a significant role in preserving and transmitting the Neoplatonic philosophy. He also wrote a biography of Plotinus, providing insights into the intellectual environment fostered by Ammonius Saccas.
Ammonius did not leave written records of his own philosophical ideas, yet his influence ensured that his intellectual legacy would continue to shape the development of Neoplatonism for centuries.
Although there are no surviving direct quotes from Ammonius himself, we read his ideas through the works of his students. They present us with some key thoughts attributed to the Neoplatonic school, many of which are reflections of Ammonius’ teachings:
On the Soul’s Ascent: “The soul must purify itself and ascend to the divine, returning to the place from which it came. The soul’s journey is one of recollection, remembering its divine origin.”
On Knowledge and Divine Understanding: “True knowledge is not the knowledge of things, but the knowledge of the One, which transcends all understanding and brings the soul closer to its divine source.”
On Philosophy and the Divine: “Philosophy is not merely an intellectual pursuit; it is a way of life, a way to unite with the divine, to ascend beyond the material world, and to know the truth of existence.”
Ammonius Saccas played a pivotal role in the development of Neoplatonism. He acted as a bridge between the ancient philosophies of Plato and the later metaphysical systems of the Roman period. His students and their writings have preserved, though not directly recorded, his teachings. Through his revival of Platonic thought, Ammonius laid the groundwork for one of the most important philosophical schools in history.
While his life remains somewhat enigmatic, his philosophical legacy continues to resonate through the works of his most famous pupils. As a philosopher, he sought to reconcile reason and religion. Ammonius Saccas’ influence on Neoplatonism cannot be overstated, and his ideas continue to inspire scholars and philosophers to this day.
