Academus
Academus was a figure in Greek mythology known for his association with the founding of the Academy, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world. Here is a detailed overview:
Mythological Context
Academus, or Hecademus as he is sometimes called, was a legendary figure from Attica. According to myth:
- Academus was a hero who revealed to the Greeks the hiding place of Helen of Troy when she was abducted by Paris. This act of betrayal was said to have saved the city of Athens from potential destruction by the Trojans.
- As a reward for his service, he was granted a plot of land outside Athens, which was later named after him as Academia or Academy.
The Academy
The land given to Academus became the site where:
- Plato established his philosophical school, known as the Platonic Academy, around 387 BC. This institution played a crucial role in the development of Western philosophy.
- The Academy was not just a school but also a grove dedicated to the Muses, where Plato and his followers would discuss philosophical issues, mathematics, and science.
Legacy
The name Academus lives on:
- Through the term "Academia," which has come to represent the community of scholars and academic institutions.
- The word "Academic" derives from his name, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge in a scholarly manner.
- The Platonic Academy itself, which operated until 529 AD when it was closed by Emperor Justinian, marked the beginning of a long tradition of academic inquiry and philosophical debate.
Historical Sources
Information about Academus primarily comes from:
- Classical texts like those of Plutarch and Pausanias, who mention him in their works.
- Archaeological evidence from the site of the Academy, although much of what was known about the Academy itself has been lost or altered over time.
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