Ammonius

Greek philosopher, who received his surname because in his youth he was a sack-carrier in Alexandria. He was the founder of the Neoplatonic school, but left no writings, and was teacher of Plotinus, Origen, and Longinus.

Ammonius Saccas (3rd century AD) was a Greek philosopher of Alexandria, often called the founder of the Neoplatonic school.

Of humble origin, he appears to have earned a livelihood as a porter at the docks of Alexandria; After long study and meditation, Ammonius opened a school of philosophy in Alexandria, where his principal pupils were Herennius, the two Origens, Cassius Longinus and Plotinus. As he designedly wrote nothing, and, with the aid of his pupils, kept his views secret after the manner of the Pythagoreans, his philosophy must be inferred mainly from the writings of Plotinus.

The details of the life of the philosopher Ammonius Saccas are so unclear that he has frequently been confused with a Christian philosopher of the same name.

The Ammonius crater on the Moon was named in his honour.