Athenagoras was a Christian philosopher and apologist who lived in the second century AD. He is best known for his works defending Christianity against pagan criticisms and for his efforts to explain Christian beliefs to a broader audience. His most notable writings include "A Plea for the Christians," where he argued for the rationality of the Christian faith. Athenagoras was also influential in the early Christian community, particularly in Athens, where he lived. His writings contributed to the development of early Christian thought and helped to establish a dialogue between Christians and Greco-Roman philosophy.