The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle is known for his groundbreaking contributions to fields such as biology, psychology, and the arts. However, while his ideas and teachings are widely studied and celebrated, his personal life remains shrouded in mystery.
Speculation over the romances in his life continues to this day, thousands of years after his death. In this article, we will delve into the little-known details of Aristotle’s marriages and relationships, shedding light on the women who played a significant role in his life.
Join us as we explore the fascinating love life of one of history’s most influential minds.
Who Did Aristotle Marry
Aristotle was married twice in his lifetime. His first wife was a woman named Pythias, whom he met while visiting his friend Hermias of Atameus in Asia Minor. Pythias was the adoptive daughter of Hermias, and the couple had a daughter together, also named Pythias.
According to historical accounts, Pythias was around 18 years old when she married Aristotle, who was in his 40s at the time. Their marriage lasted for about a decade until Pythias passed away.
After Pythias’ death, Aristotle entered into a relationship with another woman named Herpyllis. Little is known about Herpyllis, except that she came from the same hometown as Aristotle and bore him children, including a son named Nicomachus.
It is unclear whether Herpyllis was Aristotle’s slave or not, as some historians have speculated. However, it is known that she played a significant role in his life and was with him until his death.
Aristotle’s Early Life And Education
Aristotle was born in the small Greek town of Stagira in the northern district of Chalcidice. His father, Nicomachus, was a physician who had important social connections. Aristotle’s interest in science was likely inspired by his father’s work, although he did not show a particular interest in medicine.
At the age of 17, Aristotle moved to Athens and joined Plato’s circle at the Academy, a school for philosophers. He remained there for 20 years, during which time he developed a great respect and admiration for Plato. However, differences eventually arose between them that led to a break in their relationship.
After Plato’s death, Aristotle left Athens and traveled to Assos in Mysia, where he joined a small circle of Platonists who had already settled there under Hermias, the ruler of Atarneus. It was during his three-year stay in Mysia that Aristotle met and married his first wife, Pythias.
Aristotle’s time in Mysia was cut short when Pythias was killed by the Persians. He then made his way to the court of Philip of Macedon, where he became tutor to Alexander the Great. Little is known about the specific contents of Alexander’s education at the hands of Aristotle, but it is believed that he provided political advice to the young ruler.
Aristotle’s First Marriage: Pythias Of Epirus
Aristotle’s first wife was Pythias of Epirus, the adoptive daughter of his friend Hermias of Atameus. They met during Aristotle’s stay in Mysia, where he helped Hermias negotiate an alliance with Macedonia. Pythias was around 18 years old when she married Aristotle, who was in his 40s at the time. Together, they had a daughter named Pythias after her mother.
While little is known about their marriage, it is believed to have lasted around a decade until Pythias’ death. After her passing, Aristotle entered into a relationship with another woman named Herpyllis, who bore him children, including a son named Nicomachus.
Despite the mystery surrounding their personal lives, Aristotle’s contributions to philosophy and science have had a lasting impact on human understanding. His teachings and writings continue to be studied and debated by scholars and students around the world.
Aristotle’s Second Marriage: Herpyllis Of Stageira
Aristotle’s second marriage was to a woman named Herpyllis, who hailed from his hometown of Stageira. After the death of his first wife Pythias, Aristotle entered into a relationship with Herpyllis, who bore him a son named Nicomachus.
While not much is known about Herpyllis, it is believed that she was not of noble birth like Pythias. Some historians have speculated that she may have been Aristotle’s slave or concubine, but there is no concrete evidence to support these claims.
Despite the lack of information about Herpyllis, it is clear that she played an important role in Aristotle’s life. She was with him until his death and was the mother of his only son. It is also believed that she may have been involved in the management of Aristotle’s estate and intellectual legacy after his passing.
The Controversy Surrounding Aristotle’s Relationship With Herpyllis
Despite the little information available about Herpyllis, there has been much speculation and controversy surrounding her relationship with Aristotle. Some historians have suggested that Herpyllis was one of Aristotle’s former slaves, which has led to debates about the nature of their relationship.
However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, and it is important to note that slavery was a common practice in ancient Greece. Therefore, it is possible that Herpyllis was not a slave but rather a free woman who had a consensual relationship with Aristotle.
Another controversy surrounding their relationship is the question of whether they were ever married. While Aristotle’s marriage to Pythias is well-documented, there is no clear evidence that he ever married Herpyllis. Some historians have argued that their relationship was not formalized through marriage due to social or political reasons.
Despite the controversies surrounding Aristotle’s relationship with Herpyllis, it is clear that she played an important role in his life and contributed to his personal and intellectual development. Herpyllis bore him children and was with him until his death, which suggests that their relationship was meaningful and long-lasting.
Aristotle’s Other Romantic Relationships And Affairs
Aside from his two marriages, Aristotle is rumored to have had other romantic relationships and affairs throughout his life. However, information about these relationships is scarce and often based on speculation.
One of the most prominent rumors is that Aristotle had a romantic relationship with his student, Hermeias. According to some accounts, Hermeias was a young man who Aristotle took under his wing and tutored in philosophy. It is suggested that their relationship may have been more than just student-teacher, although there is no concrete evidence to support this.
Another rumored affair was with a woman named Pithias, who was not to be confused with Aristotle’s first wife of the same name. Pithias was said to be a courtesan or prostitute, and it is suggested that Aristotle may have had a relationship with her while he was living in Athens.
While these rumors may never be confirmed or denied, they add to the intrigue and mystery surrounding Aristotle’s personal life. Nonetheless, it is clear that Aristotle’s contributions to philosophy and science continue to be felt centuries after his death.
The Legacy Of Aristotle’s Love Life
Aristotle’s love life has been a topic of speculation and intrigue for centuries. While his philosophical teachings and scientific discoveries have had a profound impact on the world, his personal relationships have also left an indelible mark on history.
Aristotle’s marriage to Pythias, his first wife, was significant in that it produced a daughter who was named after her mother. This daughter would go on to become a prominent figure in her own right, as she was married to a king and became the ruler of a city in her own name.
The circumstances surrounding Aristotle’s relationship with Herpyllis are less clear, but it is known that she bore him children and played an important role in his life. Some historians have suggested that Herpyllis may have been Aristotle’s slave, which would have been a common practice at the time. However, regardless of her status, it is clear that she was a significant figure in Aristotle’s personal life.
Overall, Aristotle’s love life may not be as well-known as his philosophical and scientific contributions to the world, but it is still an important part of his legacy. His relationships with Pythias and Herpyllis offer a glimpse into the personal life of one of history’s most influential figures and highlight the complex nature of human relationships.
