person
Siro
also: Sironem, Siro
An Epicurean philosopher resident at Naples (Neapolis), teacher of Virgil and the poet Varius Rufus; described by Cicero as 'our friend' in Fam. 6.11.2 (45 BC), suggesting a warm personal acquaintance across philosophical boundaries.
Reading notes
- Ad Familiares 6.11 §2 our friend Siro
Siro, an Epicurean philosopher based at Naples (Neapolis) and teacher to Virgil among others; Cicero speaks of him with warm respect, suggesting a close personal friendship despite his own Academic allegiance.
- On the Ends of Good and Evil §2.119 our mutual friends Siro and Philodemus
Siro and Philodemus of Gadara were the two leading Epicurean teachers active in Italy in Cicero's day (based near Naples). Torquatus defers to them as better-prepared advocates of the Epicurean cause.