Diagŏras in Harpers Dictionary of Classical Antiquities

1. A native of the island of Melos and a follower of Democritus. Having been sold as a captive in his youth, he was redeemed by Democritus and trained up in the study of philosophy. He attached himself also to lyric poetry and was much distinguished for his success. His name, however, has been transmitted to posterity as that of an avowed advocate for the rejection of all religious belief. It is expressly asserted by ancient writers that when, in a particular instance, he saw a perjured person escape punishment, he publicly declared his disbelief of Divine Providence, and from that time spoke of the gods and all religious ceremonies with ridicule and contempt. He even attempted to lay open the sacred Mysteries, writing two books on the subject, called Φρύγιοι. A price at last was set upon his head, and he fled to Corinth, where he died. He lived about 416 years before Christ (Cic. N. D. i. 23; iii. 37; Val. Max. i. 1.7). 2. An athlete of Rhodes, who gained the prize in pugilism at the Olympic Games, B.C. 464. His victory was celebrated by Pindar in an ode which is still extant (Olymp. vii.), and which is said to have been inscribed in golden letters in the temple of the Lindian Athené at Rhodes. According to Pindar, he twice obtained the victory in the games of Rhodes, four times at the Isthmian, and was successful also at the Nemean and other contests. Aulus Gellius (iii. 15) informs us that he saw his three sons crowned on the same day at the Olympic Games and expired through joy.

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