Empedocles played a crucial role in the development of Western culture; however, little is known about this man who lived in Sicily in the 5th century BC. His teachings have been reconstructed by modern scholars primarily based on the hostile references of Aristotle, creating a picture that is fragmented and lacking in depth. Using previously unknown material, Peter Kingsley presents the first complete study of Empedocles, placing his fragmented texts in the original context of philosophy as a way of life, mystical religion, and magic, as well as the endeavor to realize one's own divinity. This study also examines new evidence that proves Empedocles was not an isolated figure and reveals new links between his work and ancient Pythagoreanism. The process of defining these connections now makes it possible to present, in detail, the Pythagorean origins of Plato's myths. Kingsley reexamines issues concerning the connections between ancient magic, science, and religion. More specifically, he traces for the first time a line of transmission from Empedocles and the early Pythagoreans to southern Egypt and from there to the Islamic world.

Pages: 432, Dimensions: 13.9x13.9cm