When did Anaxagoras live?

Anaxagoras lived c. 500-c. 428 BCE.

Anaxagoras was a Pre-Socratic philosopher of ancient Greece who claimed everything is made up of tiny particles. He influenced the concept of the atomic universe.

What is Anaxagoras best known for?

Anaxagoras is best known for his "seed" theory claiming all things are made up of tiny particles. He is also the first Greek philosopher to establish a school at Athens.

Why was Anaxagoras exiled from Athens?

Anaxagoras was exiled from Athens for denying the sun and moon were divine beings. He claimed they were rocks.

Anaxagoras

Server Costs Fundraiser 2024

Help our mission to provide free history education to the world! Please donate and contribute to covering our server costs in 2024. With your support, millions of people learn about history entirely for free every month.

$3926 / $18000

❤ Donate

Definition

Anaxagoras (l. c. 500-c. 428 BCE) was a Pre-Socratic Greek philosopher who claimed the First Cause of existence was Mind (nous) and all things were constituted of indestructible “seeds” (or “stuff”), originally a single mass, separated and arranged by Mind. Everything, therefore, was a part of everything put into motion by Mind.

More about: Anaxagoras

Timeline

c. 500 BCE - c. 428 BCE
Life of Anaxagoras the Pre-Socratic Philosopher who attempts to harmonize a changeless universe with apparent change in life.