Epicurus

Epicurus, Hellenistic Greek philosopher (born Samos?, 341 B.C.; died Athens, 270 B.C.). Epicurus was born into an Athenian emigre family - his parents were both Athenian citizens who had moved to an Athenian settlement on the Ionian island of Samos. He was sent back to Athens to serve as an ephebe? - young citizen in military training. The playwright Menander? was in the same age-class of the ephebes as Epicurus.

After pursuing philosophical education in several Greek cities he taught in two cities in Asia Minor. In about 306 B.C. he bought a house and garden in Athens.

hedonism