rings
of Apollonius of Tyana, later embodied in the life of this strange
personality written by Philostratus, was known to Lucian, and suggested
this description of the various and wonderful powers inherent in rings
of this kind.
The same author mentions a magic ring used to frighten away ghosts.16
This was made, by an Arab, out of an iron nail from a cross, and the
virtue ascribed to it recalls that attributed to a piece of wood from a
gallows. In each case an object that was associated with a violent and
ignominious death was believed to have the power of exorcising
unwelcome visitants from the grave.
The Church father Clemens Alexandrinus, born about 150 a. D.,
says, giving Aristotle as his authority, that a certain Execestus, a
tyrant of Phocis, owned and wore two magic rings, and by means of the
stones set in these rings he had knowledge of future events. They seem
to have done him but little service, however, for he met his death by
assassination, although it is stated that the gems gave him warning of
this.17
Flavius
Philostratus, who flourished under Septi-mius Severus (193-211 A.D.)
and later, wrote at the request of the Empress Julia Domna, a
remarkable life of Apollonius of Tyana in which he laid special stress
upon the miracles ascribed to this pagan saint. The work was used later
to oppose the teachings of the Christians. Here we read that Apollonius
possessed seven enchanted rings corresponding to the seven planets,
the gift of the Hindu prince Iarchas. These he wore, one by one, in the
order of the week days; "for it is said that he revered them as divine,
so that
16 Philopseudos, 17.
17 Clementis Alexandrini, " Stronfiata," lib. i.
