The mathematician Pythagoras on Samos

Pythagoras, who gave Pythagorion its name, is well known for several reasons, mainly for his discovery of the Pythagorean theorem (or Pythagoras' theorem) about right-angled triangles. He lived between about 570-497 BC and was active on among other places Samos, partly as a philosopher, partly as a mathematician. No writings written by Pythagoras are preserved.

Pythagoras and his right-angled triangle in Pythagorion.

He was convinced that all souls are immortal and that they were punished for their sins committed during their lifetime. One could, for example, be reborn as an animal. True or not, no one knows. He was also convinced that the earth was round and the universe spherical. Pythagoras is also known for being one of the first vegetarians in history. He did eat meat, but only certain kinds of meat. Vegetarians were called pythagoreans until the middle of the 19th century, according to an article I read in the Swedish newspaper DN.

There is a lamp where Pythagoras points so he is illuminated in the evening.

It looks like this.

The statue of Pythagoras stands under the white arrow to the left. Pythagorion on the right.

Remataki beach on the left.

Of course Pythagoras is most famous for the mathematical discovery of Pythagoras' theorem. (However, no one knows for sure that Pythagoras is the true originator.) Do you remember the theorem? This is how simple it is: "if c denotes the length of the hypotenuse in a right-angled triangle and a and b denote the lengths of the other two sides, then the formula is a2 + b2 = c2". Easy, is it not :-)

Remataki beach in Pythagorion seen from the statue of Pythagoras.

Pythagorion was called Tigani until 1955 when it was decided to change the name to honour Pythagoras. Tigani means frying pan in Greek. The reason why Pythagorion was formerly called "Frying pan", comes from the fact that the village is located in a valley and it can be very hot during the summer months.

Pythagoras (see arrow) seen from the far side of Remataki beach.

If you are in Pythagorion at the beginning of August, you must not miss the big party celebrating the anniversary of the battle against Turkey. Battles at sea played a major role in the Greek Revolution that began in 1821. The revolt led to Greece becoming an independent state.

One of the most important naval battles occurred here on Samos on August 6, 1824. The naval battle was between Greeks and Turks, and as you know, the Greeks emerged victorious from the battle. The event is celebrated and retold on August 5 and 6 each year. The fireworks are on the evening of August 5.

Here are some pictures from the party on August 6th.

Of course, Pythagoras participates in the festivities.

Equally obvious is that his famous triangle is included.

Always this Pythagoras.

Don't miss the festivities in Pythagorion on August 5 and 6 every year.

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