G
Gaius (Platonist) (100 – 140 CE)
Active in Asia Minor, renowned among later Platonists. Scholars long believed in a school
of Gaius as the main center of Platonic activity in the 2nd c., arguing from similarities
between the Didaskalikos, falsely attributed to A, and A’ De Platone et eius
dogmate. Gaius, however, was probably not the common source of these works. G
studied under two of Gaius’ disciples, of whom only Albinus is known by name (De aff. dign.
8.3: CMG 5.4.1.1, p. 28.9–15; De prop. libr. 2.97 MMH). Albinus published transcripts of
Gaius’ lectures, probably consisting partly of textual exegesis of P’s works. Gaius’
works were read in P’ school (P, Vit. Plot. 14.10–14). P (in
Remp. 2.96.10–15) speaks positively of Gaius’ interpretation of the myth of Er. It is unclear
whether Gaius himself wrote commentaries. The distinction between an exposition aiming
at likelihood and one resulting in knowledge (Plato, Tim. 29b–c), concurring with a dogmatic
interpretation of Plato, seems to have played an important role in Gaius’ (and Albinus’)
exegesis of the dialogues (Proklos, in Tim. 1.340–342).
Ed.: Gioè (2002) 47–76.
DPA 3 (2000) 437–440, J. Whittaker; BNP 5 (2004) 642, M. Baltes and M.L. Lakmann.
Jan Opsomer
Gaius (He ̄roph.) (70 – 90 CE?)
He ̄rophilean physician, wrote On Hudrophobia wherein he argued that the disease
affected the brain and its meninges, where nerves controlling voluntary actions and those
connected to the esophagus originated (C A, Acute 3.113–114 [CML
6.1.1, p. 360]). He is probably distinct from G N, but identification with a
homonymous oculist (A in G CMLoc 4.8 [12.771 K.]) and “godlike” Gaius
(A in Gale ̄n CMLoc 3.1 [12.628 K.]) is possible.
von Staden (1989) 566–569; BNP 5 (2004) 642 (#II.1), V. Nutton.
GLIM
Gaius of Neapolis (10 – 70 CE)
Pharmacist and oculist. Of his 19 preserved recipes, P A (3.22.16, CMG
9.1, p. 177) attests one, G preserves the others, quoted from A (CMLoc
3.1, 12.628 K.) and A P. He is called Gaius the “Neapolitan” (CMGen