Demetrius of Sunium

Demetrius Of Sunium a Cynic philosopher, was educated in the school of the sophist Rhodius. He spent a considerable part of his life at Corinth, being an opponent of Apollonius of Tyana, and first became famous during the reign of Caligula (A.D. 37-41). The emperor, wishing to secure the philosopher to his party, sent him a large present; but Demetrius refused it with indignation, saying,"If Caligula wishes to bribe me, let him send me his crown." Vespasian banished him for his insolence, but he derided the punishment. He lived to an advanced age, and Seneca observes that nature had brought him forth to show mankind how an exalted genius may live uncorrupted by the vices of the world. See Smith, Dict. of Greek and Rom. Biog. and Myth. s.v.; Encyclop. Britan. (9th ed.) s.v.