Epicurus

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Greek philosopher, founder of the school of Epicureanism.

Epicurus had a thoroughly materialist explanation of the universe, owing much to Democritus. This point was to explain away superstition and irrational fear of the gods and punishment and comport one's life according to Ataraxia. To achieve Ataraxia Epicurus withdrew from the world to the Garden where he lived simply and spent his days in the company of his friends, discussing philosopy. And lathe biosas λαθε βιωσας "live unnoticed'

His disciples included Metrodorus, Hermarchus Leontius, Themista, Leontion both women, Mys, his slave and many others. Women and slaves were permitted to attend the Garden (κηπος). During his lifetime the members would sacrifice and dine comunally and read memorials in remembrance of members. This was the start of epicurean hero cults. The point was to emulate the dead.

Later heads of the Epicurean school in Athens were:

Epicurus

Hermarchus

Dionysos

Phaedrus 75-70 B.C.E

Patro

Popillius Theotimus

Heliodorus