Pythagoras and His Life Beyond the Pythagorean Theorem

Pythagoras is perhaps the most famous figure in the group of ancient Greek philosophers known as the Pre-Socratics. This is largely due to the Pythagorean Theorem, a mathematical theorem that is still widely used today. Apart from being a mathematician, Pythagoras was also an influential thinker in other areas. For example, he made important contributions to religion during his life as well. These aspects of Pythagoras, however, are much less well-known, and have been overshadowed by his mathematical theorem.

Mixed Stories on Pythagoras’ Personal Life

Pythagoras is believed to have been born around 570 BC, and spent his early life on Samos, a Greek island in the eastern Aegean Sea. His father was Mnesarchus, a gem merchant, whilst his mother was a woman by the name of Pythais. Pythagoras had two or three brothers as well.

Some historians claim that Pythagoras was married to a woman named Theano, had a daughter named Damo, and a son named Telauges. Others claimed that Theano was Pythagoras’ student, not wife. Yet others claimed that Pythagoras was never married, and had no children either.