Pythias facts for kids

Pythias, sometimes called Pythias the Elder, was an important Greek woman. She was known for her connection to the famous thinker Aristotle. Pythias was Aristotle's first wife. She was also the adopted daughter of Hermias of Atarneus. Some people believe she helped Aristotle with his studies of living things.

Pythias' Life and Family

Pythias lived a long time ago, around 330 BC. We don't know her exact birth date. She passed away in Athens sometime after 355 BC. Pythias and Aristotle had one daughter together. Her name was also Pythias, so she is called Pythias the Younger.

Pythias the Younger's Marriages

Pythias the Younger got married three times. Sadly, it is thought that she died before her father, Aristotle. Her first husband was Nicanor. He was Aristotle's nephew. Aristotle's will said that Nicanor should manage the family's business. This was until Aristotle's son, Nicomachus, grew up. Pythias the Younger's second husband was Procles of Sparta. Her third husband was a doctor named Metrodorus.

Pythias' Work in Biology

Many people believe Pythias worked with her husband, Aristotle. They supposedly gathered information for an encyclopedia. This happened during their honeymoon on the island of Mytilene. It is said that Pythias collected many different types of living things. Some historians, like Kate Campbell Hurd-Mead, suggest they worked together. They might have studied how living things are created and grow. This field is called embryology.