INTRODUCTION

1. The Alexandrian School

Olympiodorus was one of a series of Alexandrian commentators who left us their work on texts of classical Greek philosophy. The Alexandrians were the final major school of Greek philosophical speculation in antiquity, inheriting centuries of vigorous and extensive commentary and discussion regarding philosophical and scholarly texts, especially the dialogues of Plato.

Platonism had a long history in Alexandria, with significant contributions to the development of Jewish and Christian theology in the early centuries AD, and occasional violent clashes between pagan and Christian forces, such as the death of Hypatia A renowned female philosopher and mathematician killed in Alexandria in 415 AD. in the early fifth century. For Olympiodorus’ period—the late Alexandrian school—the significant beginning is likely Hermeias in the fifth century AD. Like that giant among Neoplatonists, Proclus, Hermeias was taught in Athens by Syrianus, and his commentary on Plato’s Phaedrus is generally considered a faithful preservation of his master's interpretation. Hermeias seems to have established himself securely in Alexandria. When he died (some time before 470), his son Ammonius was destined for his official position in the city, and his widow, Aedesia, was able to take him to Athens for lessons with Proclus himself. During this time, city authorities apparently continued to pay the professor’s salary to Aedesia.

Syrianus and Proclus were, in our view, powerful influences on the late Alexandrians, and lines of Proclan interpretation can be discerned behind many of the critical positions held by Olympiodorus and the Alexandrians.