Pythagoras (585-500 b.c.) was born in Samos but resided and flourished for years in the southern town of Krotona , Italy . His parents named him Pythagoras honoring the ancient prophet Pythia. He is considered one of the most significant of ancient Greek philosophers and mathematicians. Founder of the Pythagoreon school and father of the renowned mathematical theory. His teachings evolved from experiences encountered in his travels to areas of Ionia and Italy .

The myth surrounding this legendary figure is hidden in rugged terrain on the slopes of Kerkis mountain, in the southwestern section of the island. It is believed that this is where Pythagoras took refuge from the tyrant Polycrates.

Invented by the infamous Pythagoras himself, the pythagoras cup or the cup of justice was designed to ascertain his students drink equal amounts of wine, while discouraging indulgence and abuse. Made of clay it holds a certain amount of liquid up to a designated point. Any excess liquid will provoke the loss of the entire contents through a hole in the bottom of the cup.

Pythagoras is also known to have developed a musical scale that harmonised with the vibration of the spinal column, each vertabrae being a note on an ascending scale. The lower notes beginning at the base of the spine, becoming higher as one goes up towards the brain. His musical scale put middle C at 2.5.6. vibration to match the 2.5.6. spinal column vibration and thus music was used for healing purposes successfully. In 1946 however, the concert pitch was changed to 2.6.4. altering the vibration of music and as a result losing its healing quality.

A contemporary statue commemorating his accomplishments and memory has been recently constucted in the port area of Pythagorion.