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Hermias

401 – 450

Greek philosopher

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About Hermias

Lived 401 – 450 (aged 48–49). Hermias was a Byzantine philosopher.

Hermias (; , Hermeias; c. 410 – before 470 AD) was a Neoplatonic philosopher who was born in Alexandria.

He went to Athens and studied philosophy under Syrianus. He married Aedesia, who was a relative of Syrianus, and who had originally been betrothed to Proclus, but Proclus broke the engagement off after receiving a divine warning. Hermias brought Syrianus' teachings back to Alexandria, where he lectured in the school of Horapollo, receiving an income from the state. He died some time before 470 AD, at a time when his children, Ammonius and Heliodorus, were still small. Aedesia, however, continued to receive an income from the state in order to raise the children, enabling them to become philosophers.

A Commentary on the Phaedrus written by Hermias survives. It consists of notes based on the lectures conducted by Syrianus concerning Plato's Phaedrus.

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Important facts

Born
401, Alexandria
Birth century
Died
450, Alexandria
Occupation
Nationality
Also known as
Hermeias

People in Hermias's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Hermias's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Hermias?

Greek philosopher

When was Hermias born?

Hermias was born in 401 in Alexandria.

When did Hermias die?

Hermias died in 450 in Alexandria.

What was Hermias's occupation?

Hermias was a philosopher.

What nationality was Hermias?

Hermias was Byzantine.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Hermias

· Wikidata: Q1613489

· DBpedia: Hermias (philosopher)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Hermias. https://biography.guide/hermias-philosopher/

MLA: "Hermias." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/hermias-philosopher/.

Chicago: "Hermias." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/hermias-philosopher/.

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