Neopythagoreans

The Neopythagoreans were a philosophical school of thought that emerged in the Hellenistic period, roughly from the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE. This movement sought to revive and reinterpret the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras and his followers, the Pythagoreans. While the original Pythagorean school focused on mathematics, music, and a mystical worldview, the Neopythagoreans integrated these ideas with contemporary philosophical currents, particularly Platonism.

Key figures associated with Neopythagoreanism include Nicomachus of Gerasa and Iamblichus, though the exact lineage and authorship of many Neopythagorean texts are debated. They emphasized the importance of a virtuous life, often through ascetic practices and a focus on purification. Mathematics, especially number theory, remained central, viewed not just as a tool for understanding the cosmos but as a pathway to divine knowledge. They also explored cosmology, ethics, and theology, often presenting their philosophy in a more systematic and elaborate way than the earlier Pythagoreans.

Neopythagoreanism had a significant influence on later philosophical developments, particularly on Neoplatonism. Their emphasis on the transcendent nature of numbers and the mathematical structure of reality resonated with subsequent thinkers who sought to reconcile religious and philosophical ideas. The movement ultimately contributed to the intellectual landscape of the ancient world, bridging the gap between early Greek philosophy and later mystical and religious traditions.