Pythagoras of Samos essays

Pythagoras of Samos essays Described as the first pure mathematician, Pythagoras is an important figure in maths development, yet relatively little is known about his existence. No reference books or biographies by him are left behind, and since his life in society was lived half-religious and half-scientific, his code of secrecy means he was a mysterious figure. Pythagoras was the son of Mnesarchus and Pythais (a native of Samos). Mnesarchus was a merchant of Tyre who was granted citizenship as a mark of gratitude for his service to Samos in its time of need. Accounts of Mnesarchus tell that little Pythagoras traveled mostly everywhere with him and that he was taught by the Chaldaeans and the learned men of Syria. Although little is known about his childhood or his appearance, a description of a striking birthmark that he had on his thigh is probably the only thing fictitious about his form. His ability to play the lyre and quote poetry by Homer suggests that he was well educated. Although there were many educators for Pythagoras, three philosophers (those among them Pherekydes) were considered to be his teachers. In the length of his life, Pythagoras made many journeys. In 525 BC when Cambyses (king of Persia) invaded Egypt, Polycrates (a good friend of Pythagoras) abandoned his allegiance with Egypt and sent 40 ships to attack it. After Cambyses captured Egypt and held Pythagoras' friends captive, he imprisoned Pythagoras. Afterward, Pythagoras was released and he settled in Babylon and later returned to Samos. After Samos he journeyed to Italy in 518. After he returned to Samos he later traveled to found a philosophical and religious school in Croton that had many followers. Pythagoras was the head of the society and he had an inner circle of followers called mathematikoi. They lived permanently with the Society, they had no personal possessions and they were all vegetarians. Today Pythagoras is known for his famous geometry theorem ...