The name of Pythagoras is universally recognized as one of the pillars of ancient philosophy and mathematics. However, what many do not know is that one of the most productive and significant phases of his life took place in Crotone, the ancient Kroton of Magna Graecia.
The Arrival of Pythagoras in Crotone
Around 530 BC, after traveling in various parts of the ancient world, Pythagoras decided to settle in Crotone. This choice was not accidental: the city, already flourishing and culturally lively, offered fertile ground for the philosopher’s innovative ideas. The reasons for his move are a matter of debate among historians: some suggest that he was seeking a safe haven from persecution, while others believe that he was attracted by Crotone’s reputation as a center of learning.
The Foundation of the School
Once established, Pythagoras founded a school that quickly became famous throughout the Greek world. But it was not a school in the modern sense of the term. It was rather a community, or a sect, where the members (called Pythagoreans) shared not only studies, but also a lifestyle. This community was based on strict rules, which included vegetarianism, prolonged silence, and abstinence from personal indulgences.
The Teaching and the Doctrines
At the heart of Pythagoras’ teaching was the belief that everything could be explained through numbers. This revolutionary idea led to the discovery of fundamental mathematical concepts, such as the famous Pythagorean theorem. But his philosophy was not limited to mathematics: it also dealt with music, astronomy, and the philosophy of life. The Pythagoreans believed in metempsychosis, or the reincarnation of the soul, and saw the universe as a harmony of spheres, with each planet producing a musical note.
The Impact on the City and Beyond
The presence of Pythagoras and his school transformed Crotone into a beacon of wisdom in antiquity. Many came from far away to listen to the master’s lessons and join his community. However, the school’s success also aroused jealousy and tension. Historians report that the school was eventually attacked and Pythagoras himself may have died in this revolt.
However, Pythagoras’ legacy in Crotone and around the world is immortal. His ideas laid the foundation for modern mathematics, philosophy and science. And Crotone can proudly claim a central role in this extraordinary story.
Conclusion
Today, walking through the streets of Crotone, it is possible to hear the echo of that distant past. The city carefully preserves the memory of Pythagoras, and visitors can immerse themselves in the history and culture of a period when Crotone was at the center of thought and innovation. The story of Pythagoras and his school is a reminder of the power of ideas and the importance of the places where these ideas are cultivated.