From the Beginning to Plato

CHAPTER 5
Empedocles
M.R.Wright
INTRODUCTION
Empedocles was a native of Acragas (Agrigento) in Sicily, a Doric colony
founded on the south coast of the island in the sixth century BC, which soon
grew to rival Syracuse in its prosperity. A line of temples, many of which are
still standing, attested to its wealth and public piety; behind the city rose the
dramatic volcano of Etna, and the plains further into the hinterland were held
sacred to Demeter and her daughter Persephone, and their associated mysteries
and cults.
Empedocles’ lifetime spanned the greater part of the fifth century, probably
from 494 to 434 BC. His family was aristocratic, but more inclined to democracy
than oligarchy. There are various anecdotes supporting his own pro-democratic
outlook, and his part in overthrowing a tyrannical regime in the city. He had a
reputation as an experienced orator, and taught, or at least influenced, the great
Sicilian rhetorician Gorgias. He is also credited with giving practical help in
various emergencies, and his work shows a detailed interest in anatomy,
embryology and physiology, as well as in more general biological and botanical
themes. He claims to have travelled extensively, and to have been both wellknown
and popular:
Whenever I enter prosperous towns I am honoured by both men and
women. They follow me in countless numbers, to ask what is best for them,
some seeking prophecies, others, long pierced by harsh pains, ask to hear
the word of healing for all kinds of illnesses.
(fr. 112.7–12)
As a result of such claims, and of the confidence in his understanding of natural
science, he acquired a reputation as a wonder-worker. There was however no
sound basis for this, or for the legend, preserved in the same context, of his
suicide leap into the volcano at Etna. Despite their romantic appeal, a life-style
as a magician and this dramatic death are both firmly rejected as fabrications by