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Famous Manichaeans
notable Manichees, i.e., followers of the prophet Mani
influential adherents of the religion of Manichaeism
Mani was born in approximately 216 A.D. He was the founding prophet or apostle of Manichaean, which thrived for one thousand years and had over 10 million members. After centuries of intense persecution, organized Manichaeism became essentially extinct, although many of its philosophies and teachings are believed to have influenced other religious traditions. The influential early Christian writer Augustine of Hippo was a Manichaean for ten years prior to his conversion to Christianity, and Manichaean ideas probably influenced his writing, which in turn has been influential among Catholics, Protestants and other groups. During the Middle Ages any dualist Christian group that the dominant Catholic Church regarded as heretical was typically labelled as "Manichaeism," regardless of whether it had anything to do with the religion founded by Mani. There have been recent fledgling attempts to revive Manichaeism, such as the Manichaean Orthodox Church, which was organized in 1981. This movement is sometimes labelled "Neo-Manichaeism."
- Mani (approx. 216-277 A.D.) - Persian-born prophet, founder of the Manichaean religion which was prominent for centuries, but eventually became extinct
- Sisin - leader of Manichaeism after martyrdom of Mani; re-organized the Manichaean church 4 years after death of Mani; led from 281 until he was killed by Vahram II in 291
- Innai - third leader of Manichaeism; known as the great healer; led from 291 until he was kllled by King Hormizd II in 303
- Addas - one of three original apostles of Mani; spread Manichaeism to the Orient (ta tes anatoles)
- Thomas - one of three original apostles of Mani; spread Manichaeism in Syria
- Hermas - one of three original apostles of Mani; spread Manichaeism in Egypt
- Aphtonius - noted Manichaean scholar; published his famous Commentary in Alexandria in 350 A.D.
- Julia of Antioch - converted entire city of Gaza to Manichaeism circa 404 A.D.
- Zad-hormizd - founded a strict new Manichaean in Ctesiphon, Iraq circa 705-715; attracted many followers from Kurdistan
- The Uighur King - converted to Manichaeism in 762, further establishing it as dominant religion in the Uighar Kingdom (including area known today as Tibet)
- Augustine of Hippo (354-430) - influential early Christian writer (Manichaean prior to conversion to Christianity)
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Web page created 29 September 2005. Last modified 20 October 2005.
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