Biography
Pythagoras of Samos was a famous ancient Ionian Greek Philosopher and Polymath. He was born in 570 BC and died around 495 BC. He is best known for his works in mathematics, music theory, metaphysics, and ethics, and known as the founder of Pythagoreanism.
Pythagoras was the founder of a School in Croton (southern Italy), where he taught about communal living and asceticism. His teachings influenced prominent figures & philosophers of that time like Plato and Aristotle. Many famous writers like Herodotus and Isocrates agree that Pythagoras was the son of Mnesarchus.
The name of Pythagoras wife is Theano, the daughter of Pythenax. According to Porphyry, he is the father of 2 sons (Telauges, Arignote) and a daughter (Myia). And according to Suda, Pythagoras has 4 children.
Quick Facts about Pythagoras Biography
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | Around 570 BC |
| Birthplace | Samos, Ionian Greece |
| Founder of | Pythagoreanism |
| Key Teachings | Metempsychosis (transmigration of souls)<br> Musica Universalis (music of the spheres)<br> Pythagorean theorem and mathematical principles |
| Educational Journey | Traveled to Croton in southern Italy around 530 BC<br> Founded a secretive school with ascetic practices |
| Lifestyle Practices | Initiates sworn to secrecy<br> Lived communally<br> Adhered to ascetic and vegetarian practices |
| Contributions to Math | Pythagorean theorem, Pythagorean tuning, Theory of Proportions |
| Influenced Philosophers | Plato, Aristotle, Middle Platonists |
| Political Involvement | Pythagoreans faced conflict with democracy supporters in Croton<br> Followers persecuted after Croton’s victory over Sybaris in 510 BC |
| End of Life | Various accounts: possible escape to Metapontum, suicide, or death during persecution |
| Legacy | Influenced Copernicus, Kepler, Newton<br> Impact on art, philosophy, and later scientific thought |
| Surviving Writings | Various accounts: possible escape to Metapontum, suicide, or death during the persecution |
| Historical Debates | Disagreement on contributions to mathematics and natural philosophy<br> Uncertainty about the authenticity of surviving accounts |
| Literary Influence | Referenced in Dante Alighieri’s Paradiso for Pythagorean numerology |
Pythagoras Publications
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Sacred Discourse on the Gods | Written in Doric Greek, this work was said to be dictated to Pythagoras by the Orphic priest Aglaophamus during his initiation into the Orphic Mysteries. |
| On the Pythagoreans | A treatise written by Aristotle, although it no longer exists in its entirety. |
| Works of Theano | Pseudepigraphical writings attributed to Theano, Pythagoras’s wife and pupil. |
| Biographies by Diogenes Laërtius, Porphyry, Iamblichus | These ancient biographies provide accounts of Pythagoras’s life, teachings, and legacy, although they are filled with myth and legend. |
FAQs about Pythagoras Biography
What is the full name of Pythagoras?
Pythagoras’s full name is Pythagoras of Samos.
What is the profession of Pythagoras?
Pythagoras was a philosopher, mathematician, and the founder of Pythagoreanism.
What is the age of Pythagoras?
Pythagoras lived approximately from 570 BC to 495 BC, making him around 75 years old at the time of his death.
What is the height of Pythagoras?
There are no historical records providing information about Pythagoras’s height.
What is the weight of Pythagoras?
There are no historical records providing information about Pythagoras’s weight.
Who is Pythagoras’s wife?
Pythagoras’s wife was reportedly Theano, a lady from Crete.
Who are Pythagoras’s parents?
Pythagoras’s father was Mnesarchus, but there is no specific information available about his mother.
Who are Pythagoras’s siblings?
Historical records do not provide information about Pythagoras’s siblings.
What is the net worth of Pythagoras?
There is no historical information available regarding Pythagoras’s net worth.
What is the education of Pythagoras?
Pythagoras is said to have received education in Egypt and possibly other regions of the Near East, studying mathematics, philosophy, and theology.
What are the major awards Pythagoras received?
There are no major awards attributed to Pythagoras in historical records.
