Iamblichus' Life of Pythagoras

There are said to be three books by this SamianReferring to Pythagoras, who was from the island of Samos. on athletics, in which he instructs athletes to feed on meat rather than dried figs; some people very incorrectly attribute these books to Pythagoras, the son of Mnesarchus. It is also said that, around the same time, Pythagoras was admired at Delos when he approached and worshipped at the so-called "bloodless altar" of his father, ApolloThe altar of Apollo at Delos was famous for being a place where no blood sacrifices were allowed.. Afterward, he visited all the oracles. He also lived for some time in Crete and Sparta to familiarize himself with their laws. Having studied and learned all of these, he returned home to investigate what he had previously overlooked.

First, he established a school in the city, which is still called the "Semicircle of Pythagoras." Even today, the Samians consult there regarding public affairs, believing it right to investigate matters of justice and public benefit in the place constructed by a man who dedicated his life to the welfare of all people. He also formed a cave outside the city, suited to his philosophy, where he spent most of the day and night. There, he occupied himself by investigating useful disciplines and framing intellectual concepts in the same manner as Minos, the son of Jupiter. Indeed, he so far surpassed those who later adopted his disciplines—who merely thought highly of themselves because they knew a few minor theorems—that Pythagoras completed the science of the celestial spheres, unfolding the entire system through arithmetic and geometric demonstrations. He is to be admired even more for what he accomplished later. When his philosophy had gained great influence, he was admired by all of Greece, and the best of those who studied philosophy came to Samos to participate in his learning. The citizens also employed him in all their embassies and compelled him to assist them in the...