Pythagoras of Samos (c. 570 – c. 495 BCE) was an ancient Greek philosopher and the founder of Pythagoreanism. He is known for his influence on mathematics, philosophy, and religious thought, particularly in Magna Graecia. Pythagoras traveled to Croton in southern Italy around 530 BCE, where he established a school that emphasized secrecy and communal living. His teachings included the concept of metempsychosis, the belief in the immortality of the soul and its reincarnation into new bodies. He is also associated with the idea of musica universalis, which posits that celestial bodies move according to mathematical ratios, creating a cosmic harmony.Pythagoras is credited with various mathematical and scientific discoveries, including the Pythagorean theorem, the theory of proportions, and the identification of the morning and evening stars as the planet Venus. However, modern scholars debate the extent of his contributions, suggesting that many achievements attributed to him may have originated from earlier sources or his followers, such as Hippasus and Philolaus. Pythagoras was reputed to be the first to call himself a philosopher, meaning 'lover of wisdom.'Born on Samos, Pythagoras was the son of Mnesarchus, a gem-engraver or merchant. His early life coincided with a period of cultural flourishing on the island, which was a hub for trade and intellectual exchange. Influences from Near Eastern cultures likely shaped his philosophical outlook. Pythagoras is said to have traveled extensively, learning from various cultures, including the Egyptians, Persians, and possibly even Indian sages. He also studied under notable Greek thinkers, including Pherecydes of Syros and possibly Thales and Anaximander.Upon arriving in Croton, Pythagoras quickly gained political influence and served as an advisor to local elites. His followers, known for their ascetic lifestyle, faced opposition from democratic factions in the city. Following a military victory by Croton over Sybaris around 510 BCE, tensions escalated, leading to violent confrontations. Pythagoras's fate during this period is uncertain; accounts suggest he may have been killed or escaped to Metapontum, where he died.Pythagoreanism was characterized by a communal lifestyle, with members sharing possessions and adhering to strict ethical guidelines. The community was divided into two groups: the mathematikoi, who focused on intellectual pursuits, and the akousmatikoi, who emphasized religious teachings. Pythagorean teachings included dietary restrictions, such as abstaining from certain foods, possibly linked to beliefs in metempsychosis.Legends surrounding Pythagoras depict him as a wonder-worker with supernatural abilities. He was said to have had a golden thigh and to have performed miraculous feats, such as calming animals and predicting events. Despite the lack of authentic writings, Pythagoras's teachings and the Pythagorean way of life significantly influenced later philosophers, including Plato and Aristotle, and continued to resonate throughout antiquity and the Middle Ages.In later periods, Pythagorean ideas were revived and integrated into various philosophical and scientific frameworks. His influence extended to early Christian thought, where he was respected for his moral teachings and belief in the immortality of the soul. Pythagoreanism also impacted the development of mathematics and music, with later scholars attributing significant discoveries to him, although many of these contributions are now debated. Pythagoras's legacy endures in various fields, including philosophy, mathematics, and esotericism, reflecting the lasting impact of his teachings on Western thought.