Iamblichus' Life of Pythagoras

CHAP. II.

It is said, therefore, that Ancæus, who lived in Samos in Cephallenia, was fathered by Jupiter—whether he gained the fame of such an honorable descent through his own virtue or through a certain greatness of soul. He surpassed, however, the rest of the Cephallenians in wisdom and renown. This Ancæus was ordered by the Pythian oracle to form a colony from Arcadia and Thessaly; and further, by taking with him some of the inhabitants of Athens, Epidaurus, and Chalcis, and placing himself at their head, he was to make an island habitable which, because of the richness of its soil, would be called MelamphyllosMeaning "having black leaves.". He was also to name the city Samos, after the Samos in Cephallenia. The oracle given to him was as follows: “I order you, Ancæus, to colonize the marine island Samos instead of Same, and to call it Phyllas.” That a colony was indeed gathered from these places is indicated not only by the honors and sacrifices offered to the Gods—which were transferred to those regions along with the inhabitants—but also by the related families that dwell there and the historical associations the Samians maintain with one another.

It is said, therefore, that Mnesarchus and Pythaïs, the parents of Pythagoras, descended from the family and alliance of this Ancæus, who founded the colony. Because this nobility of birth was celebrated by the citizens, a certain Samian poet says that Pythagoras was the son of Apollo. For he sings:

Pythaïs, fairest of the Samian tribe,
Bore from the embraces of the God of day
Renowned Pythagoras, the friend of Jove.