The Silloi remains the primary artifact linking Timon of Phlius to his legacy as a skeptic poet. Born in Phlius, this Ancient Greek thinker navigated a transient career, moving from the stage as a theater dancer to the intellectual circles of Megara, Elis, and ultimately Athens, where he resided until his death at nearly ninety years of age.
From Theater to Philosophy
Timon began his professional life as a dancer in the theater before shifting his focus to philosophy. His path led him to Megara, where he studied under Stilpo. After a brief return to Phlius for his marriage, he traveled to Elis to engage with the teachings of Pyrrho. He eventually adopted the tenets of Pyrrhonism, a movement that would define his later intellectual output.
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Economic instability forced him to depart from Elis, leading to time spent across the Hellespont and the Propontis. He established himself as a successful sophist in Chalcedon, acquiring significant wealth. His subsequent travels included a temporary stay in Thebes, but he spent the majority of his later years in Athens. Historical accounts suggest he maintained connections with notable figures such as the kings Antigonus and Ptolemy II Philadelphus.
Poetic and Prose Contributions
Timon was a prolific writer, credited with thousands of lines of verse and prose. His most notable work, the Silloi, was a three-book composition written in hexameter verse. These satirical pieces utilized a dialogue format between the author and Xenophanes to critique various philosophical schools. Beyond his poetry, which included tragedies, comedies, and elegiac verses, he wrote substantial prose works, such as On Sensations, On Inquiries, and Towards Wisdom.
Fast facts
- Born: -031
- Died: -022
- Place of birth: Phlius
- Place of death: Athens
- Primary field: Philosophy
- Notable work: Silloi
- Movement: Skepticism
- Languages: Ancient Greek
Questions readers ask
What was the main theme of Timon's Silloi?
It was a satirical account of the tenets held by philosophers, both living and dead, serving as a vehicle for skepticism.
Did Timon hold any philosophical figures in high regard?
Yes, he spared Xenophanes and his mentor Pyrrho from his sharpest criticisms.
Achievements
- Notable work: Silloi
