Indeed, yet another query containing an obscure religious belief. What’s the Straight Dope on Apollonius of Tyana, the Roman who is alleged to have been a “model for the Jesus Christ story?”
Actually, I think the guy was Greek. I remember reading the Life of Apollonius by Philostratus when young, and being really impressed. (Of course, I have to confess that as a callow youth, it didn`t take a hell of a lot to impress me). It is a great read though, and following Apollonius as he mooches around Asia Minor and India performing miracles, etc is very reminiscent of the reported exploits of the Nazarene.
See below for some excerpts from Philostratus.