Peregrinus Proteus

Peregrinus Proteus, born in the year ninety-five, was a notable Greek Cynic philosopher hailing from Parium in Mysia. His journey began at a young age when he left his home to immerse himself in the teachings of the Christians in Roman Palestine. However, after facing expulsion from that community, he embraced the life of a Cynic philosopher, ultimately finding his place in Greece.

What sets Peregrinus apart in the annals of history is his dramatic end. In the year one hundred sixty-five, he orchestrated his own funeral oration before taking the extraordinary step of cremating himself on a funeral pyre during the Olympic Games. This act not only marked his departure from life but also solidified his legacy as a philosopher who lived and died by his principles.

By the year one hundred eighty, Peregrinus had become a figure of reverence in his hometown of Parium, where a statue was erected in his honor. This statue was said to possess oracular powers, further enhancing his status and the intrigue surrounding his life and death.