Pythagoras of Samos is often described as the first pure mathematician. He is an extremely important figure in the development of mathematics yet we know relatively little about his mathematical achievements. Unlike many later Greek mathematicians, where at least we have some of the books, which they wrote, we have nothing of Pythagoras's writings. The society, which he led, half-religious and half-scientific, followed a code of secrecy, which certainly means that today Pythagoras is a mysterious figure.
Pythagoras was born around 596 BC in Samos, Ionia and died around 475 BC. Pythagoras's father was Mnesarchus, while his mother was Pythais and she was a native of Samos. Mnesarchus was a merchant who came from Tyre, and there is a story that he brought corn to Samos at a time of famine and was granted citizenship of Samos as a mark of gratitude. As a child Pythagoras spent his early years in Samos but traveled widely with his father. Certainly he was well educated, learning to play the lyre, learning poetry and to recite Homer. …
