Ammonius of Alexandria (/əˈmoʊniəs/;Ancient Greek:Ἀμμώνιος) is assumed to be aChristian philosopher who lived in the 3rd century. He is possiblyAmmonius Saccas, theNeoplatonist philosopher, also fromAlexandria.
Eusebius, who is followed byJerome, asserted that Ammonius was born aChristian, and remained faithful to Christianity throughout his life. He wrote that Ammonius produced several scholarly works, most notablyThe Harmony of Moses and Jesus.[1] Eusebius also wrote that Ammonius composed a synopsis of the four canonical gospels, traditionally assumed to be theAmmonian Sections, now known as the Eusebian Canons.[2]
Eusebius attacksPorphyry for saying that Ammonius apostatized early in his life and left no writings behind him, but Eusebius was presumably confusing Ammonius with theNeoplatonist of the same name.[citation needed]
Ammonius developed the forerunner of moderngospel harmony as theAmmonian Sections in which he started with the text of Matthew and copied along parallel events.[3] However there are no extant copies of the harmony of Ammonius and it is only known from a single reference in the letter of Eusebius to Carpianus.[3]
