institution
the Pythagoreans
also: Pythagorei, Pythagoreos, nobiles Pythagoreos, the Pythagoreans
The philosophical-religious brotherhood founded by Pythagoras, which flourished for centuries in southern Italy and Sicily before dying out. Cicero credits Nigidius Figulus with reviving its teaching at Rome.
Reading notes
- On Divination §1.62 the Pythagoreans were forbidden to eat the bean
A famous Pythagorean dietary taboo. Cicero gives the physical rationale that beans cause flatulence and so disturb the tranquil mind that seeks truth in dreams.
- Timaeus (Latin translation) §1 those famous Pythagoreans
The Pythagorean brotherhood that flourished for centuries in southern Italy and Sicily before dying out. Cicero credits Nigidius Figulus with reviving its teaching at Rome, and frames his Timaeus as part of that revival.