person
Callanus the Indian
Callanus
also: Callanus Indus, Callani
Indian gymnosophist who accompanied Alexander and burned himself on a pyre, foretelling that he would soon see Alexander again; Alexander died a few days later (De Divinatione 1.47, 1.65).
Reading notes
- Tusculan Disputations §2.52 Callanus the Indian
Calanus, an Indian gymnosophist (naked sage) who accompanied Alexander the Great and, when ill, voluntarily mounted his own funeral pyre and was burned alive without flinching. Cicero's example of barbarian indifference to pain.