A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

Smith, William

A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. William Smith, LLD, ed. 1890

2. An Epicurean philosopher, a contemporary of Cicero, who became acquainted with him in his youth at Rome (Cic. Fam. 13.1, 2).

During his residence in Athens (B. C. 80) Cicero renewed his acquaintance with hint. Phaedrus was at that time an old man, and was the president of the Epicurean school (Cic. Phil. 5.5.13, de Nat. Deor. 1.33.93, de Fin. 1.5.16). He was also on terms of friendship with Velleius, whom Cicero introduces as the defender of the Epicurean tenets in the De Nat. Deor. (1.21.58; comp. Madvig. aid Cic. de Fin. p. 35), and especially with Atticus (Cic. de Fin. 1.5.16, 5.1.3, &c.). He occupied the position of head of the Epicurean school till B. C. 70 (Phot. Bibl. 97, p. 84, ed. Bekker), and was succeeded by Patron [PATRON]. Cicero especially praises his agreeable manners. He had a son named Lysiadas.

[C.P.M]