Britannica Sources used in this answer

Who founded the Pythagorean brotherhood at Croton?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Marble bust of Pythagoras, the ancient Greek mathematician and philosopher, showing a bearded man with a head covering and calm expression. — Pythagoreanism Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, portrait bust.

The Pythagorean brotherhood at Croton was founded by Pythagoras of Samos.12

After emigrating from Samos to southern Italy around 532 BCE to escape tyrannical rule, Pythagoras established his ethico-political academy and religious community in Croton. The school functioned as a religious brotherhood centered on the cults of Apollo and the Muses, requiring strict adherence to ritualistic and ethical observances. While Pythagoras is credited with the school's foundation, he eventually fled Croton for Metapontum around 510–500 BCE due to rising anti-Pythagorean sentiment and political instability.234