The Syrian philosopher Iamblichus is famous for his accounts of ancient religious traditions: this book contains Thomas Taylor's translations of his commentaries regarding Egypt, Assyria and Chaldea.Containing many references to the mystical philosophies of the ancients, Iamblichus' writings are considered early accounts of theurgic traditions for their description of magical rituals and ceremonies. His descriptions hold clues to the origins and development of religious thought—part...

Iamblichus portrays Pythagoras not merely as a mathematician and scientist but as a divine, almost mythological figure whose philosophical teachings were infused with religious and spiritual significance. The biography explores Pythagoras’ early life, travels, and the foundation of his school in Croton, where he taught his famous ideas about numbers, harmony, and the cosmos. Iamblichus emphasizes Pythagoras' belief in the transmigration of souls (metempsychosis), the importance of living a...

In "Iamblichus on the Mysteries of the Egyptians, Chaldeans, and Assyrians," Iamblichus intricately explores the esoteric dimensions of ancient mystical traditions, presenting a compelling fusion of philosophical discourse and religious ritual. With a profound emphasis on the worship of the gods and the role of theurgy, Iamblichus champions the idea that true knowledge transcends mere intellectual understanding, invoking the divine as an essential component of spiritual enlightenment. His ...

When it is considered that Pythagoras was the father of philosophy, authentic memoirs of his life cannot fail to be uncommonly interesting to every lover of wisdom, and particularly to those who reverence the doctrines of Plato, the most genuine and the best of all his disciples. And that the following memoirs of Pythagoras by Iamblichus are authentic, is acknowledged by all the critics, as they are for the most part obviously derived from sources of very high antiquity; and where the sour...

The third century philosopher Iamblichus of Chalcis was a major figure in the school of Neoplatonism and the founder of its Syrian branch. He was also a notable biographer of the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras. Aside from Iamblichus’ own philosophical contribution, the ‘Protrepticus’ is of importance for the study of the Sophists, owing to its preservation of several pages of an otherwise unknown Sophist philosopher. Delphi’s Ancient Classics series provides eReader...

Step into the shadowed halls of ancient wisdom where mathematics meets mysticism, and philosophy transforms into a sacred way of life. Thomas Taylor's magnificent translation unveils the legendary biography of Pythagoras by Iamblichus, revealing the extraordinary journey of history's most enigmatic philosopher-sage. This isn't merely an academic exercise but a portal into a world where numbers hold divine secrets, where geometric patterns unlock cosmic truths, and where the pursuit of know...

"Iamblichus' Life of Pythagoras" is a biographical work written by the Neoplatonic philosopher Iamblichus in the 3rd or 4th century AD, translated into English by the 18th-century scholar Thomas Taylor. The book tells the story of Pythagoras, the ancient Greek philosopher, mathematician, and mystic who is credited with founding the Pythagorean school of philosophy.The work covers Pythagoras's life and teachings, including his theories on mathematics, music, and the soul. The book also desc...

On the General Science of Mathematics is the third of four surviving works out of ten by Iamblichus (c. 245 CE–early 320s) on the Pythagoreans. He thought the Pythagoreans had treated mathematics as essential for drawing the human soul upwards to higher realms described by Plato, and downwards to understand the physical cosmos, the products of arts and crafts and the order required for an ethical life.His Pythagorean treatises use edited quotation to re-tell the h...

Iamblichus' "Life of Pythagoras, or Pythagoric Life" intricately intertwines biography, philosophy, and the mystique of Pythagorean thought within a rich literary tapestry. Written in the early 4th century CE, this work emerges from the Neoplatonic tradition, emphasizing the spiritual and metaphysical teachings of Pythagoras. Iamblichus employs a vivid narrative style, blending mythic elements with philosophical discourse, and showcases Pythagoras as a divine figure whose insights extend b...

It appears to me that there are two descriptions of persons by whom the present work must be considered to be of inestimable worth, the lovers of antiquity and the lovers of ancient philosophy and religion. To the former of these it must be invaluable, because it is replete with information derived from the wise men of the Chaldeans, the prophets of the Egyptians, the dogmas of the Assyrians, and the ancient pillars of Hermes; and to the latter, because of the doctrines contained in it, so...

"Iamblichus' Life of Pythagoras", authored by Thomas Taylor. This edition delivers a compelling exploration of its central themes and offers readers an immersive and thought-provoking experience. It examines wide-ranging themes that will resonate with thoughtful readers. Readers can expect a clear structure: an engaging opening that establishes stakes, a sequence of scenes or essays that develop central ideas, and a concluding section that synthesizes insights and suggests practical or phi...

Authentic memoirs of the life of Pythagoras--the father of philosophy and the inventor of geometry--hold the great interest for every lover of wisdom. Iamblichus' biography is universally acknowledged as deriving from sources of the highest antiquity. Its classic translation by Thomas Taylor was first printed in 1818 and is once again brought to light in this edition.During Iamblichus' life, the depth and sublimity of his writing and discourse attracted a multitude of associates an...