The Circle of Friends and Disciples

1 Among those close to him, he had many devoted to philosophy, such as Amelius from Tuscany Tuscany was known as Etruria in antiquity; Amelius was Plotinus's chief assistant for eighteen years. His formal name was Gentilianus, a man of noble birth. Because of his constant companionship and his great care for the master, he was entrusted by the others with the records that remained after Plotinus’s death.

2 There was also Paulinus, a citizen of Scythopolis A city in the Roman province of Syria Palaestina, modern-day Bet She'an, whom Amelius affectionately called "Mikkalos" original: "mikkalos," a Doric Greek word meaning "the little one", though he was often full of misunderstandings.

3 Furthermore, there was Eustochius of Alexandria, a physician original: "iatros," likely misread as "teikōn" in the transcription, who stayed with Plotinus during his final days and remained caring for him until his death. And I, Porphyry The OCR reads "Balbus of the Island," a corruption of "Malchus of Tyre," Porphyry's original Phoenician name which means "King" or "Basileus", was the only one who devoted himself exclusively to Plotinus’s school as a philosopher.

4 Zoticus was also part of the group; he was both a critic and a poet. He corrected the works of Antimachus A Greek epic poet and transformed the Atlantic story into verse based on the accounts [of Plato] The "Atlantic story" refers to the legend of Atlantis described in Plato's dialogues, the Timaeus and Critias. Zoticus died shortly before the passing of Plotinus. Paulinus also predeceased Plotinus.

5 He also had Zethos as a companion, an Arab by birth, who was the son-in-law of Theodosius, a student of Ammonius. Zethos was very dear to Plotinus. He was a man of political leanings, possessing a nature entirely suited for public life, yet Plotinus directed his path toward a life of contemplation. Zethos lived with him and eventually retired from public affairs to be near him.

6 Among those living today is Castricius, known as Firmus, a man of our own time who was a great lover of beauty and excellence. He deeply revered Plotinus and, neglecting his own affairs, he served the common good in all things. He treated me, Porphyry original: "Phurio," a variation of the name Porphyry, as a true brother in every respect. He, too, revered Plotinus while choosing to remain in a public, political life.

7 Not a few members of the Senate The Roman Senate, the highest social and political order in the Empire also listened to his lectures. Among those who most specifically applied themselves to philosophy were Marcellus Orontius and Sabinillus.

8 There was also Rogatianus, another member of the Senate, who moved so far away from the worldly life that he renounced all his ancient possessions and dismissed all his servants.