Philosophers of Magna Graecia of Puglia

Magna Graecia was a hive of great philosophers, artists and brilliant scientists.

Philosophers of Magna Graecia

In this historical overview, we will see the most interesting ones and above all those that share a common characteristic, the ante-litteram Apulianness.

LisideLysis, an illustrious philosopher originally from Taranto, was a leading exponent of the Pythagorean school, active in the 5th century BC. His life is marked by dramatic and significant events, in particular by the devastating calamity of the fire started by the followers of Cylon of Croton, which led to the death of numerous Pythagoreans. Fortunately, Lysis managed to escape this tragedy together with Pythagoras and Archippus, finding refuge in Greece, initially in Peloponnesian Achaea and later in the city of Thebes.

Archytas of Taranto, who lived around 428 BC and died in 360 BC, is a figure of great importance in the intellectual landscape of ancient Greece. Philosopher, mathematician and politician, Archytas stood out for his deep connection with the Pythagorean tradition, which greatly influenced his thought and works. His school in Taranto became an important center of learning, where various fields of knowledge were integrated and explored, including mathematics, music, philosophy and natural sciences.

Archippus of Tarentum is a fascinating figure in ancient Greek philosophy, known for his connection to the Pythagorean school. His life is intertwined with significant historical events, such as the fire at Croton, which destroyed much of the Pythagorean community.

Aristoxenus of Tarentum is a key figure in the philosophy and theory of music of the 4th century BC. His Tarentine origin and his education under the guidance of illustrious teachers, including Aristotle, helped shape his thought and works. Aristoxenus is known for his innovative approach to music, which combined theory with practical experience, a fundamental aspect of his education and career.

Hippasus of Metapontum is a figure of considerable importance in the panorama of philosophy and mathematics of antiquity. However, his life is shrouded in mystery, as information about his origin and activities remains rather scarce and uncertain. This thinker is recognized as one of the most significant members of the Pythagorean school, immediately after the founder Pythagoras himself. Among his most important discoveries are irrational numbers and the concept of incommensurability, which have had a profound and lasting impact on both the discipline of mathematics and philosophical thought.

The name of Brontino appears in numerous writings of ancient authors such as Diogenes Laertius, Iamblichus, Clement of Alexandria, Syrianus, Suidas and Alexander of Aphrodisias, and more recently in the book “The Message of Pythagoras” by V. Capparelli and in the paragraph “Brontino Pitagorico” written by the Spaniard Guillermo Garcia M. This figure, shrouded in mystery, is associated with a tradition of mystical poems, attributed to him under the pseudonym of Orpheus. Epigenes, another philosopher, attributes to him two Orphic works entitled “Ta Physika” and “On Nature”.

Zopyrus, an important philosopher and scientist of the Pythagorean school, is a fascinating figure in the philosophy and mechanics of antiquity. Born in Taranto in the 4th century BC, Zopyrus distinguished himself not only as a thinker, but also as an innovator in the field of war machines. His expertise in military engineering is particularly evident through his invention of the “gastraphetes,” a device that can be considered a sort of primitive crossbow.