Basilides

Basilides was a prominent Gnostic teacher in the 2nd century, known as the 'father of Gnosis.' He settled in Alexandria, where he developed a complex theological system that introduced the concept of a divine hierarchy and a new cosmogony. His teachings emphasized the interpretation of the Gospels, which he compiled into 24 exegetical books, and he is credited with shaping early Gnostic thought through his symbolic vision of spiritual existence.