The controversial classic Apollonius of Tyana by Flavius Philostratus was written 220 AD based on the diary of Damis (Apollonius' companion) and folklore from places where Apollonius had lived in the first century.

It is said that the Church of Rome burnt down the Library of Alexandria in the late 4th century in order to wipe out all remnants of this and other texts. However apparently the librarians were forewarned, and this book, the longest biography by far to have survived from antiquity was carried away into the Arab world from where it reemerged around 500 years ago.

The West then had to come to terms with a saint who cast out demons, raised people from the dead, was incarcerated in Rome, healed and admonished the Ephesians and saved them from a plague, and was educated in Tarsus.

The book describes how Apollonius and Damis travelled to India where they met the Wise Men whose leader was Iarchas. They were able to harness the power of the sun and heal the sick. They also knew everything about Apollonius, and expected his arrival. They even asked for the letter of intoduction from king Phraotes, and predicted that there was a "d" missing in it.

Apollonius was warmly received on his return to the Mediterranian, and was constantly sought after by Roman emperors who sought his wise counsel

That is apart from the tyrants Nero and Domition whom Apollonius faced bravely and outwitted with his miraculous powers.

Apollonius' encounters with the Magi, and the naked sages of Ethiopia are also described. Towards the end he saw the murder of Domitian while giving a speech in Greece. His listeners thought that he had finally gone mad when he shouted "Smite the tyrant!" However they were amazed when the news finally arrived from Rome how he had been killed at the exact hour.

This book in paperback is the first in this series about the origins of Christianity. This introductory offer is at a very low price as it contains all the eight books of Apollonius by Philostratus. This is a quality paperback with 440 pages and comes with a 60 day money back guarantee.