Socrates (469 BC – 399 BC)

Socrates was born in 469 BC. He belonged to the middle class: he is said to have been the son of a statesman and he may himself have practiced the craft.

During his childhood Athens developed into what scholars call a ‘radical democracy’, a direct participatory democracy in which all adult male citizens were allowed and encouraged to participate in government. 

Socrates was one of the famous citizens of Athens. He is the mythic father and patron saint of philosophy. He had been brave and competent solider in his youth.

The two major sources of Socrates, Plato and Xenophon. Socrates had the great good fortune that one of his followers, Plato, was one of the greatest genius and most brilliant writers of all time.

In the year 399 BC, officials in the city have charged Socrates with disrespect toward Greek gods, who are part of the religious and social heritage.

Socrates lived in Athens until he was sentenced to death by an Athenian jury and was executed by hemlock poisoning in 399 BC.
Socrates (469 BC – 399 BC)