Lucian (c. 125-180 C.E.) was an Assyrian satirist known for his humorous style and rhetorical mastery. Born in Samosata, modern day Turkey, Lucian was likely a native Syriac speaker who wrote in Ancient Greek under the rule of the Roman Empire. From a middle-class family, he was trained to be a sculptor but eventually moved to Ionia for higher education. After working for a time as a successful lecturer, he settled in Athens, where he wrote most of his literary works. Recognized for his invention of the comic dialogue, a parody of the Socratic dialogue, Lucian is predominately remembered for his novel True History, a satire now regarded as an early precursor to modern science fiction writing. Known for his irreverence and penchant for criticizing prominent writers, philosophers, and public figures, Lucian has served as an influence for Thomas More, William Shakespeare, Jonathan Swift, and François Rabelais.
