Lyceum facts for kids
The Lyceum was a famous place in ancient Athens, Greece. It was a public spot where people met. Later, it became the home of a special school started by the famous thinker, Aristotle. Aristotle started his school there around 334 or 335 BC. His students were called "Peripatetics" because they often walked around while they learned and talked. It was more like a college for older students than a typical school today.
Today, the word "Lyceum" is used in many parts of Europe to mean a school. These schools usually prepare students for university during their last few years.
Aristotle's Famous School
Aristotle's school began when he returned to Athens. He was about 50 years old at the time. Aristotle had been the teacher of Alexander the Great, who was a powerful leader from Macedon.
In Athens, Aristotle started teaching regularly in the mornings at the Lyceum. The group of smart people who joined him became known as the Peripatetics.
Aristotle really liked students working together. He gave his students projects to do as part of their studies. The school was also run by the students themselves. They chose a new student leader every ten days. This allowed many students to take turns being in charge.
During his travels, Alexander the Great collected plants and animals for Aristotle. Aristotle used these to create the first known zoo and botanical garden. Alexander might have also given money to the Lyceum.
In 322 BC, Aristotle had to leave Athens with his family. This was because of political changes in the city. He passed his school on to Theophrastus. Aristotle died later that same year near his hometown.
Images for kids
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Mädchenschule (Lyzeum) in Wittenberg, Germany
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Building of a top-ranked lyceum in Poland - ILO in Tomaszow Mazowiecki
See also
In Spanish: Liceo (institución) para niños
