Birth of Pythagoras
Pythagoras was born on the island of Samos, Greece. His early life remains largely a mystery, but he is believed to have been well-educated and influenced by various teachings.
c. 570 BCE
c. 535 BCE
Travel to Egypt
Pythagoras traveled to Egypt, where he studied mathematics, astronomy, and religious rites. This journey significantly influenced his later teachings and philosophies.
c. 525 BCE
Capture and Deportation to Babylon
During the Persian invasion of Egypt, Pythagoras was captured and taken to Babylon. There, he continued his studies in mathematics and mysticism under the guidance of Babylonian magi.
c. 520 BCE
Return to Samos
Pythagoras returned to Samos, where he attempted to establish a school known as the Semicircle. However, due to political difficulties, he eventually left Samos.
c. 518 BCE
Foundation of Pythagorean School in Croton
Pythagoras founded a religious and philosophical school in Croton, a Greek colony in southern Italy. The school attracted many followers and became a center for his teachings on mathematics, philosophy, and ethics.
c. 510 BCE
Pythagorean Theorem
Pythagoras is traditionally credited with the discovery of the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.
c. 500 BCE
Political Influence in Croton
The Pythagorean community in Croton gained significant political influence, advocating for a form of government based on their philosophical and ethical principles.
c. 495 BCE
Conflict and Persecution
Pythagoras and his followers faced opposition from political rivals in Croton. This led to the persecution of the Pythagoreans and the eventual destruction of their school.
c. 490 BCE
Death of Pythagoras
Pythagoras is believed to have died around this time, possibly in Metapontum, Italy. The exact circumstances of his death remain unclear.
c. 450 BCE
Spread of Pythagoreanism
Despite the persecution, the teachings of Pythagoras continued to spread throughout the Greek world, influencing various philosophical schools and thinkers.
c. 400 BCE
Influence on Plato
Plato, one of the most significant philosophers in Western history, was greatly influenced by Pythagorean thought, particularly in his works on metaphysics and mathematics.
c. 350 BCE
Influence on Aristotle
Aristotle, a student of Plato, also acknowledged the influence of Pythagorean ideas, especially in his studies of natural philosophy and ethics.
c. 300 BCE
Neopythagoreanism
A revival of Pythagorean philosophy, known as Neopythagoreanism, emerged, blending Pythagorean ideas with other philosophical traditions, particularly Platonism.
c. 100 CE
Pythagorean Influence on Early Christianity
Pythagorean concepts of the soul and the afterlife influenced early Christian thought, contributing to the development of Christian theology and mysticism.
c. 500 CE
Pythagoreanism in the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, Pythagorean ideas were preserved and transmitted through various philosophical and religious texts, continuing to influence Western thought.
