A LIFE’S WORK

Pythagoras’ life is shrouded in mystery, and dates are estimations

570 BCE

Pythagoras was born on the Greek Island of Samos.

552 BCE

At the age of 18 he may have participated in the Olympic Games.

540 BCE

He travelled to Egypt, meeting the temple priests, who agreed to teach him all they knew.

532 BCE

He emigrated to Italy and established his school and Pythagorean Brotherhood.

525 BCE

Pythagoras was taken prisoner by Cambyses II, king of Persia, and sent to Babylon.

520 BCE

He escaped from Babylon and made his way back to Samos before settling in Metapontum.

500 BCE

Pythagoras proved his theorem for the first time. The first demonstration was given one year later.

499 BCE

Due to political involvement, an uprising occurred against all Pythagoreans.

495 BCE

Pythagoras died, possibly during a riot. Others claim he starved himself to death.