Damian of Ephesus (Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: Δαμιανός, fl. 2nd century AD) was a member of the Second Sophistic who lived in Ephesus. He is best known as a source for Philostratus, the author of Lives of the Sophists, for his biographies of Aelius Aristides and Adrianus,[1] as well as being a philanthropolist in his home town.
He was born to a wealthy and distinguished family, and was a student of Aristides and Adrianus. As a sophist, Damian not only taught in Ephesus, but he provided funds to support the city's poor and contributed funds to restore public buildings.[2] Notable buildings include an elaborate marble portico to connect the city to the Temple of Artemis, and a large dining hall in the sanctuary of the Temple.[3]
Damian married the daughter of Publius Vedius Antoninus, a leading decurion of Ephesus; their descendants became members of the Roman Senate, including three consuls and two wives of consuls.[4]