Empedocles was a Greek pre-Socratic philosopher and a citizen of Acragas (Agrigentum), a Greek city in Sicily. source
Empedocles was a Greek pre-Socratic philosopher and a citizen of Acragas (Agrigentum), a Greek city in Sicily.
Empedocles' philosophy is best known for originating the cosmogenic theory of the four classical elements. source
Empedocles' philosophy is best known for originating the cosmogenic theory of the four classical elements.
Empedocles also proposed forces he called Love and Strife which would mix as well as separate the elements. source
Empedocles also proposed forces he called Love and Strife which would mix as well as separate the elements.
Influenced by the Pythagoreans, Empedocles was a vegetarian who supported the doctrine of reincarnation. source
Influenced by the Pythagoreans, Empedocles was a vegetarian who supported the doctrine of reincarnation.
Empedocles is generally considered the last Greek philosopher to have recorded his ideas in verse. source
Empedocles is generally considered the last Greek philosopher to have recorded his ideas in verse.
Some of Empedocles's work survives, more than is the case for any other pre-Socratic philosopher. source
Some of Empedocles's work survives, more than is the case for any other pre-Socratic philosopher.
Empedocles' death was mythologized by ancient writers, and has been the subject of a number of literary treatments. source
Empedocles' death was mythologized by ancient writers, and has been the subject of a number of literary treatments.
Empedocles was born, c. 490 BC, at Acragas (Agrigentum) in Sicily to a distinguished family. source
Empedocles was born, c. 490 BC, at Acragas (Agrigentum) in Sicily to a distinguished family.
Empedocles continued this tradition by helping to overthrow the succeeding oligarchic government. source
Empedocles continued this tradition by helping to overthrow the succeeding oligarchic government.
In his remarkable life Empedocles devised a theory of natural selection. source
In his remarkable life Empedocles devised a theory of natural selection.
Empedocles’ family was well-known and wealthy. His grandfather, whose name was also Empedocles, kept racehorses. His father, Meton, was an Olympic Champion. source
Empedocles’ family was well-known and wealthy. His grandfather, whose name was also Empedocles, kept racehorses. His father, Meton, was an Olympic Champion.
Empedocles was educated by the Pythagoreans, who taught him that, on an intellectual level, numbers are the most important thing in the universe. source
Empedocles was educated by the Pythagoreans, who taught him that, on an intellectual level, numbers are the most important thing in the universe.
Empedocles established four ultimate elements which make all the structures in the world—fire, air, water, earth. source
Empedocles established four ultimate elements which make all the structures in the world—fire, air, water, earth.
Empedocles is credited with the first comprehensive theory of light and vision. He put forward the idea that we see objects because light streams out of our eyes and touches them. source
Empedocles is credited with the first comprehensive theory of light and vision. He put forward the idea that we see objects because light streams out of our eyes and touches them.
In 2006, a massive underwater volcano off the coast of Sicily was named Empedocles. source
In 2006, a massive underwater volcano off the coast of Sicily was named Empedocles.
Empedocles' death has inspired two major modern literary treatments. source
Empedocles' death has inspired two major modern literary treatments.
According to Aristotle, Empedocles died aged about sixty. Some other ancient sources claim he lived to the age of 77 or 109. source
According to Aristotle, Empedocles died aged about sixty. Some other ancient sources claim he lived to the age of 77 or 109.
In On Nature, Empedocles tried to explain breathing by comparing it to the operation of a device for lifting water. source
In On Nature, Empedocles tried to explain breathing by comparing it to the operation of a device for lifting water.
Empedocles believed that the speed of light is not infinite. source
Empedocles believed that the speed of light is not infinite.
