Epicurus, Hellenistic Greek philosopher (born Samos, 341 BC; died Athens, 270 BC). Epicurus was born into an Athenian emigré family - his parents were both Athenian citizens who had moved to an Athenian settlement on the Ionian island of Samos. He was sent back to Athens to serve as an ephebe - young citizen in military training. The playwright Menander was in the same age-class of the ephebes as Epicurus.
After pursuing philosophical education in several Greek cities he taught in two cities in Asia Minor. In about 306 BC he bought a house and garden in Athens.
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