While we often refer to him simply as "Pythagoras," the famous Greek mathematician and philosopher's full name was Pythagoras of Samos.
Understanding the Name
- Pythagoras: This is his personal name, the one he was known by in his lifetime.
- of Samos: This is a locative, indicating his birthplace on the Greek island of Samos.
It's similar to how we might say "William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon" to fully identify the playwright.
Why the Full Name Matters
Knowing his full name helps us understand his context:
- His Origins: Samos was a center of learning and trade, influencing Pythagoras' early education and intellectual development.
- His Travels: He later traveled extensively, eventually settling in Croton, Italy, where he founded his famous school.
Therefore, including "of Samos" in his name provides important historical and biographical information.
Beyond the Name
While his full name is "Pythagoras of Samos," he is often simply referred to as "Pythagoras" in modern contexts. This is similar to how we might say "Einstein" instead of "Albert Einstein" or "Shakespeare" instead of "William Shakespeare."
