Why a Third-Century Philosopher Changed His Name to Express His Philosophical Devotion

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Amelius Gentilianus was a dedicated Neoplatonist who spent two decades studying under Plotinus in Rome. Known for his voracious reading and prolific writing, he famously altered his own name to better reflect his commitment to the concept of unification, distancing himself from a moniker that implied mere worldly negligence.

Born in either Tuscany or Apamea, Amelius Gentilianus emerged as a significant figure in the Neoplatonic movement during the latter half of the 3rd century. He initially immersed himself in the works of Numenius of Apamea before joining the circle of Plotinus in Rome. His loyalty to his teacher was profound; he remained a fixture of Plotinus's school for over twenty years, eventually becoming instrumental in convincing Porphyry of the validity of Plotinian thought. Together, they successfully persuaded Plotinus to document his oral teachings for posterity.

The philosopher's identity was deeply tied to his intellectual evolution. While he was originally known by a name that could be associated with the Greek word for negligence, he sought to redefine his public persona. Porphyry, in his Life of Plotinus, noted that Amelius preferred the name Amerius, derived from the concept of Unification, rather than the original term that suggested indifference. This shift served as a symbolic rejection of worldly distractions, aligning his personal identity with the metaphysical goals of his philosophical practice.

Amelius was a tireless scholar, credited with producing over 100 volumes of commentaries and sayings. His most substantial work was a forty-book treatise dedicated to defending the originality of Plotinus against claims that the master had merely borrowed his doctrines from Numenius. Beyond his internal philosophical debates, Amelius engaged with broader religious texts, notably citing the Gospel of John with approval when discussing the definition of the Logos. In 269, he left Rome to retire in the Syrian city of Apamea, leaving behind a legacy as one of the sharpest minds in the school of Plotinus.

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