50 Most Influential and Famous Ancient Greek Philosophers, Scientists and Writers

Below are the 50 most influential and famous ancient Greek philosophers and scientists who made significant contributions to fields such as mathematics, physics, biology, politics and literature. A multiple choice test with the answer key is offered at the end.

Ancient Greece was an incredible civilization that existed between the eighth and sixth centuries BC. This civilization was known for its advancements in art, philosophy, democracy, and science and was located in Greece and its surrounding territories. The Greek society was divided into many city-states, each with its own government and way of life, but they all spoke the same language and practiced the same religion. Athens and Sparta were the most powerful city-states, known for their democracy and culture in Athens and militaristic society and discipline in Sparta.

Religion and mythology had a significant influence on Greek culture in ancient times. The Greeks believed in a pantheon of gods and goddesses who controlled natural forces and human destiny. These myths and gods were an integral part of daily life and religion. They also had a rich tradition of oral and written literature, art, and music. They were known for making significant contributions in the fields of drama, philosophy, politics, and architecture, among others. Additionally, their involvement in trade and colonization helped spread Greek culture throughout the Mediterranean region. Lastly, their military achievements were noteworthy and well-remembered.

The impact of ancient Greece on Western civilization is truly remarkable. Many of the concepts, beliefs, and institutions that define our current Western culture can trace their origins back to Greece, including the idea of citizenship, the concept of individual rights, and the foundation of democracy. Even now, the art, architecture, and philosophy of the ancient Greeks continue to inspire and influence us. Additionally, the Greek language, alphabet, and mythology continue to be an important part of our culture and can still be seen in literature, art and science.

In a nutshell, ancient Greece was a civilization that had a significant impact on the world we live in today. Many people still study and admire its culture, society, and way of life. The Greeks’ contributions to art, philosophy, democracy, and science shaped Western civilization and continue to inspire people today. For more educational materials on ancient Greece, please look at Classical Greek Books and Stories for Young Readers.

50 Most Influential and Famous Ancient Greek Philosophers and Scientists

Aeschines (389 BC –314 BC): Greek orator and statesman Aeschines was well recognized for his orations and speeches and he became a well-known politician in Athens thanks to his persuasive skills and capacity to arouse folks’ emotions.
Aeschylus (525 BC – 456 BC): Aeschylus was a playwright who is considered one of the greatest writers in ancient Greek literature. He is known for his plays, which are still widely studied and performed today.
Anaxagoras (500 BC – 428 BC): Anaxagoras was a philosopher and scientist best known for his contributions to astronomy and physics. He is credited with discovering that the Moon reflects sunlight and is also known for his work on the concept of the infinite.
Anaximander (610 BC – 546 BC): Anaximander was a Greek philosopher who contributed significantly to astronomy, geography, and philosophy. He is credited with being one of the first to create a world map and was also well-known for his ideas on the infinite, which were central to Greek philosophy.
Anaximenes of Miletus (585 BC – 525 BC): Anaximenes was an ancient Greek philosopher and scientist who lived in the 6th century BCE. He made important contributions to the fields of astronomy and philosophy. He is known for his discovery that air has weight and is the foundation of all matter. Additionally, he also had thoughts on the concept of the infinite, which was a significant concept in ancient Greek philosophy.
Antisthenes (446 BC – 366 BC): Antisthenes was a student of Socrates and is considered to be one of the pioneers of the Cynic philosophy, which emphasizes living a simple, self-sufficient life and rejecting material possessions. He believed that virtue is the most important thing in life, and that true happiness comes from self-control and self-discipline.
Apollonius of Perga (240 BC – 190 BC ): Apollonius of Perga was a third-century BC Greek mathematician and geographer. He contributed significantly to conic sections and geometric constructions. He was well-known for his work on the properties of ellipses, parabolas, hyperbolas, circles, spheres, and cylinders.
Apollonius of Rhodes (3rd century BC): Apollonius of Rhodes is best known for his epic poem “Argonautica” which tells the story of the famous voyage of the Argonauts. This poem was widely popular and considered as one of the greatest epic poem of ancient Greece, it was widely read and studied for centuries after its composition.
Archimedes (287 BC – 212 BC): Archimedes, a Greek mathematician, scientist, and engineer, made numerous significant advances in the study of mathematics and physics. Two of his most well-known accomplishments are his work on the lever concept and the discovery of the buoyancy principle, which helped to explain how objects can be moved and manipulated using various mechanical devices.
Aristarchus of Samos (310 BC – 230 BC): Aristarchus of Samos was a Greek astronomer who proposed that the earth and other planets revolve around the sun and also made important contributions to the fields of trigonometry and astronomy. Even though his ideas were not widely accepted during his time, they laid the foundation for later scientists like Copernicus and Galileo.
Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC): Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher from the 4th century BCE, was a student of Plato and a significant figure in Western philosophy, science, and education. He wrote extensively on metaphysics, ethics, politics, biology, and logic, emphasizing the importance of observation, experience, and reason in acquiring knowledge. His philosophy focused on living a virtuous life, finding balance, and the concept of causality. Aristotle is often referred to as the founder of formal logic, and his work has had a profound impact on Western philosophy, science, and culture.
Chrysippus (279 BC – 206 BC): Chrysippus was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the field of logic. He is credited with developing the concept of the syllogism, which is a method of deductive reasoning that is still used today.
Cleanthes (330 BC – 230 BC): Cleanthes was a philosopher who was a student of Zeno of Citium and the second head of the Stoic school of philosophy. He is known for his “Hymn to Zeus,” which is a philosophical treatise on the nature of God.
Democritus (460 BC – 370 BC): Democritus was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the development of the atomic theory of matter. He argued that the world is composed of small, indivisible particles called atoms, which move through empty space and combine in various ways to form all matter.
Demosthenes (384 BC – 322 BC): Demosthenes was a statesman, lawyer, and orator who is considered one of the greatest speakers in ancient Greek history. He is known for his powerful and eloquent speeches, which were instrumental in shaping the political landscape of ancient Greece.
Diogenes (412 BC – 323 BC): Diogenes of Sinope was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the field of ethics. He is known for his concept of “cosmopolitanism,” which holds that all people are equal and should treat each other with respect and kindness.
Dionysius of Halicarnassus (1st century BC): Dionysius of Halicarnassus was a historian and literary critic who is known for his contributions to the fields of history and literature. He is known for his “Roman Antiquities,” which is a history of Rome from its foundation to the end of the Roman Republic.
Empedocles (490 BC – 430 BC): Empedocles was a philosopher and scientist who is known for his contributions to the fields of physics and biology. He is credited with discovering the concept of the four elements (earth, air, fire, and water) and is also known for his work on the concept of the infinite.
Epictetus (55 AD – 135 AD): Epictetus was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the field of ethics. He taught that philosophy is a way of life through self-discipline, and not simply a theoretical discipline. To Epictetus, all external events are beyond our control; we should accept whatever happens calmly and dispassionately.
Epicurus (341 BC – 270 BC): Epicurus was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the field of ethics. He was a hedonist and known for his idea of the “good life,” which emphasizes the importance of pleasure and the avoidance of pain.
Eratosthenes (276 BC – 194 BC): Eratosthenes was a mathematician, geographer, and astronomer who is known for his contributions to these fields. He is credited with being the first to accurately measure the circumference of the Earth and is also known for his work on the concept of the infinite.
Euclid (300 BC): Euclid was a great mathematician who is known for his work on geometry, including his famous book “The Elements,” which is still considered a classic in the field.
Galen (129 AD – 216 AD): Galen was a physician and philosopher who made important contributions to the fields of anatomy and medicine. He is known for his work on the structure and function of the human body, as well as his contributions to the development of the scientific method.
Gorgias (483 BC – 375 BC): Gorgias was a philosopher and rhetorician who is known for his contributions to the fields of philosophy and rhetoric. He is known for his “Encomium of Helen,” which is a defense of Helen of Troy, and his “On Not-Being,” which is a philosophical treatise on the concept of reality.
Heraclitus (535 BC – 475 BC): Heraclitus was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the field of metaphysics. He is known for his idea that the world is in a constant state of change and that everything is in a state of flux.
Hero of Alexandria (310 BC– 230 BC): Hero of Alexandria was a mathematician and engineer who was well-known for developing Hero’s formula, a method for calculating the area of a triangle, as well as his work on steam engines and automata. He was a pivotal figure in mathematics and engineering history.
Hipparchus (190 BC – 120 BC): Greek astronomer Hipparchus was also a geographer and mathematician. Although he is credited with founding trigonometry, he is most remembered for accidentally finding the precession of the equinoxes.
Hippocrates (460 BC – 377 BC): Hippocrates was a physician who is considered the father of modern medicine. He is known for his work on the concept of the natural healing process and the importance of a healthy lifestyle in maintaining good health.
Homer (born 8th century BC): Homer was a Greek poet who is credited as the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, two epic poems that are foundational works of ancient Greek literature. Homer is considered one of the most revered and influential authors in history.
Hypatia (360 AD – 415 AD): Hypatia was a philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer who made important contributions to these fields. She was the first woman to make significant contributions to the study of mathematics and is known for her work on the concept of conic sections.
Isocrates (436 BC – 338 BC): Isocrates was a Greek rhetorician and public speaker who lived in the fourth century BC. His speeches and orations were well-known, and many of them have been preserved to this day. He placed a great focus on civic engagement and education, and his ideas are still widely used today.
Leucippus (5th century BC): Leucippus was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the development of the atomic theory of matter. He argued that the world is composed of small, indivisible particles called atoms, which move through empty space and combine in various ways to form all matter.
Nicomachus (60 AD – 120 AD): Nicomachus was a mathematician and musician who is known for his contributions to the fields of mathematics and music theory. He is known for his work on arithmetic and his “Introduction to Arithmetic,” which is a mathematical textbook that is still used today.
Pappus of Alexandria (290 AD – 350 AD): Greek mathematician Pappus of Alexandria made significant contributions to mathematics, particularly in the fields of projective geometry and hexagon theory. He also published the “Collection,” a well-known mathematical treatise that included chapters on geometry, physics, and arithmetic.
Parmenides (515 BC – 450 BC): Parmenides was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the fields of metaphysics and logic. He is known for his argument that change is an illusion and that reality is a single, unchanging whole.
Pericles (495 BC – 429 BC): Pericles was a Greek politician and general during the Golden Age of Athens. He was prominent and influential in Athenian politics, particularly between the Greco-Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War, and was acclaimed by Thucydides, a contemporary historian, as “the first citizen of Athens”.
Philodemus (110 BC – 40 or 35 BC): Philodemus was an ancient Greek philosopher who was a member of the Epicurean school of philosophy, which emphasized the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain as the goal of life. He wrote extensively on the topic and his works are important sources of knowledge on Epicurean philosophy.
Plato (427 BC – 347 BC): Plato, an ancient Greek philosopher from Athens, was a student of Socrates and a key figure in Western philosophy. He is known for his theory of Forms, which suggests that eternal, abstract entities exist beyond the physical world and are the true objects of knowledge. Plato also believed in the concept of the philosopher-king and wrote extensively on the nature of justice. He founded the Academy in Athens, one of the first institutions of higher learning in the Western world, and his ideas continue to be studied and debated today.
Pythagoras (570 BC – 495 BC): Pythagoras was a philosopher and mathematician who is known for his contributions to the fields of mathematics and philosophy. He is credited with discovering the Pythagorean theorem, which is a fundamental principle in geometry.
Socrates (469/470 BC – 399 BC): Socrates is famous for the Socratic method, a form of argumentative dialogue based on asking and answering questions. He believed that by questioning assumptions and beliefs, people could arrive at a deeper understanding of truth and wisdom. He also thought that knowledge and virtue were closely linked, and that the pursuit of knowledge and self-examination were essential to a good life. Socrates was known for his critical views of Athenian society and politics, and he was sentenced to death in 399 BCE. Despite his death, his ideas and teachings continued to influence later philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, and he is remembered as a champion of reason, ethics, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Sophists (5th century BC): The Sophists were a group of philosophers who were known for their emphasis on the practical application of knowledge and their skepticism about the existence of absolute truth. They were influential in the development of rhetoric and are known for their contributions to the fields of ethics and politics.
Sophocles (496 BC – 406 BC): Sophocles was a playwright and poet who is considered one of the greatest writers in ancient Greek literature. He is known for his plays, which are still widely studied and performed today.
Sotion of Alexandria (2nd century BC): Sotion was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the field of ethics. He is known for his “Succession of Philosophers,” which is a history of Greek philosophy.
Strato of Lampsacus (335 BC – 269 BC): Aristotle’s pupil Strato of Lampsacus went on to lead the Peripatetic school after finishing his studies. He is renowned for his contributions to natural philosophy, physics, and the interaction of the mind and body, as well as for stressing the value of experimentation and observation in the natural sciences.
Thales (624 BC – 546 BC): Thales of Miletus is widely considered one of the first Western philosophers. He believed that everything in the world was made of water and made significant contributions to geometry, astronomy, and philosophy. He is credited with being the first to predict a solar eclipse and is also known for his work on the concept of the infinite.
Theon of Alexandria (4th century AD): Theon of Alexandria was a mathematician and astronomer who is known for his contributions to these fields. He is known for his work on mathematics and his commentary on Euclid’s “Elements,” which is still used today as a standard textbook on geometry.
Theophrastus (371 BC – 287 BC): Theophrastus was an ancient Greek philosopher and scientist who studied under Aristotle and later led the Peripatetic school. He made significant contributions to botany, natural history, ethics, politics, logic and the study of character.
Xenophon (430 BC – 354 BC): Xenophon lived in Athens, was a student of Socrates, and is known for his writings on history, politics, philosophy, and military tactics. He also wrote on topics such as ethics, politics, and economics, advocating for good governance and ethical leadership. Xenophon is known for his “Anabasis,” which is a history of the Greek campaign against the Persians, and his “Memorabilia,” which is a collection of conversations with Socrates.
Zeno of Citium (334 BC – 262 BC): Zeno of Citium was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the field of ethics. He is the founder of the Stoic school of philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with reason and virtue.
Zeno of Elea (490 BC – 430 BC): Zeno of Elea was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the fields of mathematics and philosophy. He is known for his paradoxes, which challenged the concept of motion and are still debated by philosophers today.

Multiple Choice Test, Answer Key at end

Who was a philosopher who is credited with laying the foundations of Western philosophy?
- a. Plato b. Aristotle c. Socrates d. Archimedes
Who was a philosopher and scientist who made significant contributions to a wide range of fields, including logic, metaphysics, ethics, politics, and biology?
- a. Homer b. Aristotle c. Socrates d. Archimedes
Who was a mathematician, physicist, and engineer who made many important contributions to mathematics and physics?
- a. Plato b. Aristotle c. Hero of Alexandria d. Archimedes
Who was a mathematician who is known for his work on geometry, including his famous book “The Elements,” which is still considered a classic in the field?
- a. Plato b. Aristotle c. Euclid d. Heraclitus
Who was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the development of the atomic theory of matter?
- a. Democritus b. Hippocrates c. Ptolemy d. Galen
Who was a physician who is considered the father of modern medicine?
- a. Democritus b. Hippocrates c. Ptolemy d. Galen
Who was a mathematician, astronomer, and geographer who made important contributions to these fields?
- a. Empedocles b. Homer c. Ptolemy d. Galen
Who was a physician and philosopher who made important contributions to the fields of anatomy and medicine?
- a. Democritus b. Hipparchus c. Ptolemy d. Galen
Who was a female philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer who made important contributions to these fields?
- a. Hypatia b. Anaximander c. Anaximenes d. Parmenides
Who was a philosopher and scientist who is known for his contributions to the fields of astronomy and philosophy?
- a. Hypatia b. Anaximander c. Anaximenes d. Parmenides
Who was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the field of metaphysics?
- a. Heraclitus b. Leucippus c. Demosthenes d. Epicurus
Who was a statesman, lawyer, and orator who is considered one of the greatest speakers in ancient Greek history?
- a. Heraclitus b. Leucippus c. Demosthenes d. Homer
Who was a philosopher who is credited with developing the concept of the syllogism, which is a method of deductive reasoning that is still used today?
- a. Chrysippus b. Thales c. Pythagoras d. Anaximander
Who was a philosopher and mathematician who is known for his contributions to the fields of philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and geometry?
- a. Chrysippus b. Thales c. Pythagoras d. Anaxagoras
Who was a playwright and poet who is considered one of the greatest writers in ancient Greek literature?
- a. Sophocles b. Xenophon c. Aeschylus d. Hipparchus
Who was a historian, philosopher, and soldier who is known for his contributions to the fields of history and philosophy?
- a. Pericles b. Xenophon c. Aeschylus d. Epicurus
Who was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the field of ethics?
- a. Chrysippus b. Thales c. Pythagoras d. Anaxagoras
Who was a philosopher of ethics and taught that philosophy is a way of life through self-discipline, and not simply a theoretical discipline?
- a. Epictetus b. Euclid c. Anaximenes d. Hipparchus
Who was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the field of ethics and the development of the concept of hedonism?
- a. Plato b. Euclid c. Epicurus d. Antisthenes
Who was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the field of metaphysics and the development of the concept of monism?
- a. Plato b. Parmenides c. Aeschines d. Empedocles
Who was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the field of logic and the development of the concept of propositional logic?
- a. Plato b. Parmenides c. Epicurus d. Antisthenes
Who was a philosopher and scientist who is known for his contributions to the field of biology and the development of the concept of the biological classification of living things?
- a. Plato b. Aristotle c. Aeschines d. Cleanthes
Who was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the field of politics and the development of the concept of the social contract?
- a. Plato b. Aristotle c. Aeschylus d. Antisthenes
Who was a philosopher and scientist who is known for his contributions to the field of medicine and the development of the concept of the humoral theory of disease?
- a. Plato b. Hippocrates c. Aristarchus of Samos d. Empedocles
Who was a philosopher and scientist who is known for his contributions to the field of astronomy and the development of the geocentric model of the universe?
- a. Plato b. Ptolemy c. Epictetus d. Diogenes
Who was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the field of ethics and was the founder of the Stoic school of philosophy?
- a. Plato b. Ptolemy c. Anaximenes d. Zeno of Citium
Who was a Greek orator and statesman Aeschines was well recognized for his orations and speeches and he became a well-known politician in Athens?
- a. Apollonius of Perga b. Philodemus c. Aeschines d. Parmenides
Who was a Greek philosopher and scientist who studied under Aristotle and later led the Peripatetic school?
- a. Theophrastus b. Epictetus c. Thales d. Cleanthes
Who was a playwright and poet who is considered one of the greatest writers in ancient Greek literature?
- a. Sotion of Alexandria b. Pericles c. Sophocles d. Diogenes
Who was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the field of ethics and is known for his concept of “cosmopolitanism”?
- a. Anaximander b. Antisthenes c. Empedocles d. Diogenes
Who was a student of Socrates and is considered to be one of the pioneers of the Cynic philosophy, which emphasizes living a simple, self-sufficient life and rejecting material possessions?
- a. Dionysius of Halicarnassus b. Aristarchus of Samos c. Antisthenes d. Apollonius of Perga
Who was a philosopher and scientist who is known for his contributions to the fields of physics and biology and is credited with discovering the concept of the four elements (earth, air, fire, and water)?
- a. Theophrastus b. Empedocles c. Theon of Alexandria d. Pappus of Alexandria
Who was a Greek mathematician who made significant contributions to the fields of projective geometry and hexagon theory and also wrote the “Collection,” a mathematical treatise?
- a. Pappus of Alexandria b. Nicomachus c. Zeno of Elea d. Theon of Alexandria
Who was a Greek astronomer who proposed that the earth and other planets revolve around the sun and also made important contributions to the fields of trigonometry and astronomy?
- a. Isocrates b. Aristarchus of Samos c. Pythagoras d. Parmenides
Who was a philosopher who is known for his contributions to the development of the atomic theory of matter and argued that the world is composed of small, indivisible particles called atoms?
- a. b. c. d. Leucippus
Who was a mathematician and engineer who was well-known for developing Hero’s formula, a method for calculating the area of a triangle?
- a. Zeno of Elea b. Apollonius of Rhodes c. Theophrastus d. Hero of Alexandria
Who was known for his epic poem “Argonautica” which tells the story of the famous voyage of the Argonauts, which was widely popular and considered as one of the greatest epic poem of ancient Greece.
- a. Sotion of Alexandria b. Strato of Lampsacus c. Apollonius of Rhodes d. Hipparchus
Who was a Greek poet who is credited as the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, two epic poems that are foundational works of ancient Greek literature?
- a. Homer b. Aeschylus c. Sophocles d. Dionysius of Halicarnassus
Who was a mathematician and musician who is known for his contributions to the fields of mathematics and music theory?
- a. Isocrates b. Nicomachus c. Thales d. Theon of Alexandria
Who was a philosopher and mathematician who is credited with discovering the Pythagorean theorem?
- a. Pythagoras b. Archimedes c. Pappus of Alexandria d.Apollonius of Perga