Early Greece Reincarnation

a 2nd-century roman sarcophagus shows mythology , symbolism of orphic , dionysiac mystery schools. orpheus plays lyre left

early greek discussion of concept likewise dates 6th century bce. greek thinker known have considered rebirth pherecydes of syros (fl. 540 bce). younger contemporary pythagoras (c. 570–c. 495 bce), first famous exponent, instituted societies diffusion. plato (428/427–348/347 bce) presented accounts of reincarnation in works, particularly myth of er.

authorities have not agreed on how notion arose in greece: pythagoras said have been pherecydes pupil, have introduced doctrine of orphism, thracian religion important in diffusion of reincarnation, or else have brought teaching india. in phaedo, plato makes teacher socrates, prior death, state: confident there such thing living again, , living spring dead. xenophon not mention socrates believing in reincarnation , plato may have systematised socrates thought concepts took directly pythagoreanism or orphism.