Nicolaitan means a follower of Nicolas, derived from the Greek words nikos, meaning conqueror or destroyer, and laos, meaning people. The original Nicolas was a conqueror or destroyer of the people. Some believe this Nicolas was Nimrod, the archrebel who conquered the people and founded a man-made civilization within two centuries after the Flood. While alive, Nimrod placed himself in the position of authority over others, and after his death, his admirers worshipped him as a divine hero, calling him Baal, meaning master or lord, and also Santa, a name used throughout Asia Minor. Santa Claus is a shortened form of Santa Nicholas or Saint Nicholas, and many unknowingly honor this Nicholas through customs associated with December 25, originally the Saturnalia or birthday of Nimrod. Others suggest that the Nicolas referenced in Revelation 2 is a different man, a proselyte from Antioch, ordained as a deacon early in the church's history. Writings from that time indicate he later followed Gnostic teachings, became an ascetic, and many adopted his new doctrine.