Pythagoras was the son of Mnesarchus and was born on the Greek island of Samos in the Mediterranean Sea. His early years are largely unknown. He escaped to southern Italy after studying in Greece to avoid the harsh rule of Polycrates (died c. 522 B.C.E. ), who came to power around 538 B.C.E. During this time, Pythagoras is claimed to have traveled to Egypt and Babylon.

Pythagoras and his followers became politically powerful in Croton in southern Italy, where Pythagoras had established a school for his newly formed sect, or group of followers. It is probable that the Pythagoreans took positions in the local government in order to lead men to the pure life that was directed by their teachings. Eventually, however, a rival group launched an attack on the Pythagoreans at a gathering of the sect, and the group was almost completely destroyed. Pythagoras either had been forced to leave Croton or had left voluntarily shortly before this attack. He died in Metapontum Village, Italy early in the fifth century B.C.E.