# Heraclides Ponticus — The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers character guide

> Heraclides Ponticus in The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laërtius.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Heraclides, Ponticus

**First appearance:** 0052-heraclides

## Snapshot

A voluminous Platonic writer and astronomer, nicknamed 'Pompicus' for his elegant dress, who reportedly proposed that the earth rotates.

## Who they are

Heraclides Ponticus was a wealthy native of Heraclea who studied under Speusippus, Aristotle, and the Pythagoreans, and wrote an astonishing range of dialogues on everything from justice to the heavenly bodies. The Athenians called him Pompicus because of his fine clothes and imposing size, yet he was known for quiet manners and noble bearing. He also, according to one tradition, freed his city from tyrants by killing the monarch, and his reported deathbed scheme involving a hidden serpent shows how thin the line between philosopher and legend could become in the Lives.

## In the story

### [Periander](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/periander)

Referenced for his account of Periander's family and the story of his wife's death.

### [Heraclides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/heraclides)

Main subject of the chapter; wealthy philosopher from Heraclea, student of Speusippus, Pythagoreans, Plato, and Aristotle; known for his delicate garments and large stature; authored many works; attempted to fake his death and deification with a serpent; also accused of bribing the Pythian oracle.

### [Dionysius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/dionysius)

First teacher of Dionysius, a fellow citizen of Heraclea.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/heraclides_ponticus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters