The Cult of Pythagoras

Mathematics

Pythagoras, one of the greatest thinkers of the ancient world, is best known for the theorem that bears his name. However, his contributions to mathematics extended far beyond triangles. The Pythagoreans viewed numbers as visual and spiritual entities, with each number holding a specific meaning. For instance, the number one symbolized intellect and being, while the number ten, represented by a tetractus, was considered the most sacred. They believed that everything in the universe could be expressed through mathematics, including music and planetary movements 1 2.

Numbers linked everything in the world together for Pythagoreans. Pythagoras believed that the seven planets, which in antiquity were the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, corresponded to the seven muses.

--- Gary Arndt

The Pythagoreans were among the first to propose that the Earth revolved around the sun, and they discovered the mathematical relationships in music, such as octaves and fifths 2.

   

Religious Beliefs

The Pythagorean cult was a unique blend of philosophy and religion, with strict rules and rituals. Followers had to adhere to a vow of silence for five years and maintain a vegetarian diet, as Pythagoras believed animals were reincarnated human souls. They also had peculiar beliefs about beans, thinking they contained the souls of the dead and caused a loss of one's soul when consumed 3.

Pythagoras believed that souls were immortal and believed in reincarnation. Supposedly, Pythagoras himself could recall four previous lives.

--- Gary Arndt

The cult worshipped Apollo and engaged in various rituals for purification and burial. Mathematics played a central role in their beliefs, with numbers seen as divine and interconnected with all aspects of life 2.