Plotinus biography for kids

Plotinus, (died about A.D. 270) is widely considered the father of Neo-Platonism. Much of our biographical information about Plotinus comes from Porphyry's preface to his edition of Plotinus' Enneads[?].

Plotinus biography for kids

Plotinus biography for kids pdf

Biography for 2nd graders

Plotinus' theory

Plotinus works

Porphyry believed Plotinus was 66 years old when he died in the second year of the reign of the emperor Claudius, and estimated the year of his teacher's birth as around AD 205. Plotinus disliked "being in the body", so he never discussed his ancestry, or his place or date of birth.

Eunapius however reports that he was born in Lyco or Lycopolis in Egypt.

He took up the study of philosophy at the age of 27, around the year 232, and went to Alexandria to study.

Plotinus biography for kids pdf

Plotinus was dissatisfied with every teacher he met until a friend suggested he go to Ammonius Saccas. Upon hearing Ammonius lecture, he declared to his friend "This was the man I was looking for," and began to study intently under this teacher.

Plotinus spent the next eleven years in Alexandria until his 38th