Greek Geometers Before Euclid

Extract

Pythagoras was born in Samos about 580 B.C. The statements regarding his masters are destitute of solid historical foundation, and so are the accounts of his travels. It is known, however, that he visited Egypt. He may have taught in Samos, but whether he did not obtain sufficient consideration among his fellow-citizens, or whether he wished to withdraw from the tyranny of Polycrates, he removed to Croton about 540 B.C. There he founded an association, less scientific than politico-religious, which eventually became the nucleus of the aristocratic party.