# Diogenes Laërtius

> 3rd-century Roman biographer of Greek philosophers

**Wikidata**: [Q59138](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q59138)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diogenes_Laertius)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/diogenes-laertius

## Summary
Diogenes Laërtius was a 3rd-century Roman biographer of Greek philosophers, best known for his work *Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers*, a foundational collection of biographies and philosophical reflections on ancient thinkers.

## Biography
- Nationality: Roman
- Known for: Compiling *Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers*
- Field(s): Philosophy, History
- Work period: 3rd century CE

## Contributions
- *Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers* (c. 250 CE): A comprehensive collection of biographies and philosophical writings of ancient Greek philosophers, including Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and others. This work remains a primary source for understanding the lives and teachings of these thinkers.

## FAQs
### What is Diogenes Laërtius best known for?
Diogenes Laërtius is best known for his *Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers*, a seminal work that provides biographical and philosophical insights into ancient Greek thinkers.

### Where did Diogenes Laërtius work?
Diogenes Laërtius was a Roman historian and philosopher, but his specific place of work is not detailed in the source material.

### What fields did Diogenes Laërtius contribute to?
Diogenes Laërtius contributed to philosophy and history, particularly through his biographical and philosophical writings.

### What is the significance of *Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers*?
*Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers* is significant as it offers a comprehensive and influential collection of biographies and philosophical reflections on ancient Greek philosophers, shaping the understanding of their lives and teachings.

## Why They Matter
Diogenes Laërtius's *Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers* remains a foundational text in the study of ancient philosophy, providing essential biographical and philosophical insights into key thinkers. His work has influenced generations of scholars and continues to be a primary source for understanding the lives and teachings of ancient Greek philosophers.

## Notable For
- Author of *Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers*, a foundational work in ancient philosophy.
- Roman biographer of Greek philosophers, contributing to the historical and philosophical record of ancient thought.

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Diogenes Laërtius was a Roman historian and philosopher who lived in the 3rd century CE. His nationality is recorded as Roman, and he is known for his extensive work on the lives and opinions of ancient Greek philosophers.

### Major Works
Diogenes Laërtius's most notable contribution is *Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers*, a comprehensive collection of biographies and philosophical writings. This work includes detailed accounts of the lives and teachings of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and other prominent philosophers, making it a primary source for understanding ancient Greek thought.

### Influence and Legacy
Diogenes Laërtius's *Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers* has had a lasting impact on the study of ancient philosophy. His work remains a foundational text, influencing scholars and researchers who seek to understand the lives and teachings of ancient Greek philosophers. The book's detailed biographical and philosophical insights continue to shape the understanding of these thinkers.

### Field of Work
Diogenes Laërtius worked in the fields of philosophy and history, particularly through his biographical and philosophical writings. His contributions to these fields have been significant, providing essential insights into ancient Greek thought.

### Notable Achievements
Diogenes Laërtius is notable for his *Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers*, which remains a primary source for understanding ancient Greek philosophy. His work has influenced generations of scholars and continues to be a foundational text in the study of ancient thought.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. LIBRIS. 2014
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. BnF authorities
5. CiNii Research
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Diogenes%20Laertius)
8. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index3.html)
9. CONOR.SI
10. Czech National Authority Database
11. Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology
12. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
13. Enciclopedia Treccani
14. [Source](http://www.maru.firenze.sbn.it/MareMagnum/mare_magnum.htm)
15. [LIBRIS. 2014](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/42gjcgdn1wjwp4l)
16. Treccani Philosophy
17. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
18. Provenio
19. HMML Authority File
20. Clavis Historicorum Antiquitatis Posterioris
21. Digital Scriptorium Catalog