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Socrates, a Greek philosopher from 470BC-399BC, is widely credited for laying down the foundation for Western philosophy. Socrates is said to have been Athenian, from the city of Athens, the oldest city in Europe.
Socrates may not have ever existed, or his life falsified. From what is known about Socrates has been derived from secondary sources: dialogues by Plato, works of Xenophon and writings by Aristotle. As well, many Greek scholars attributed their theories, works and sometimes even personal traits to their mentors, a tradition Pluto (a student of Socrates) had followed.
According to antiquity, Mediterranean cultural history, Socrates' father was a sculptor named Sophroniscus and his mother Phaenarete, a midwife. Socrates married Xanthippe and had three sons; Lamprocles, Sophroniscus and Menexenus who were all young at the time of Socrates' death. Traditionally, Xanthippe is viewed as an ill-tempered woman due to her characterization by Xenophon.
It is uncertain how Socrates earned a living. According to Symposium by Xenophon, Socrates devoted much of his life to art or occupation, discussing philosophy. Although Socrates' father left money after his death, it is unlikely to have been a large sum. Both Xenophon and Aristophanes claim Socrates received money from teaching and running a sophist school, however in Plato's Symposium, Socrates specifically denies the statement. It is however possible that Socrates earned much of his wealth from friends and powerful people like Crito. In some instances, Socrates is said to have served in the Athenian army during the Peloponnesian War, however, it is also unconfirmed.
Socrates' death came after being found guilty of impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens. Of course Socrates denied the accusation, forcing a trial only to have him found guilty. Socrates was then sentenced to death by hemlock. His friends and disciples pleaded him to escape from prison, however, Socrates denied and drank the poison, killing him in the company of friends.
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