Не только ἐπιχώρια διδάγματα: пайдейя Эпаминонда

Schole. Философское антиковедение и классическая традиция. 2026. Т. 20. № 2. С. 1105–1116.

Mozhaysky A.

This article examines the education of Epaminondas, the most famous Theban military and political figure. However, in antiquity, Epaminondas was also renowned for his education and philosophical authority. The study demonstrates that Epaminondas' education encompassed a complex set of local teachings, which Pausanias describes as
ἐπιχώρια διδάγματα. However, Epaminondas' education differed from that of most members of the Theban elite because of his Pythagorean background. The dissemination of the Pythagorean teachings of Philolaus and Lysis in Thebes may have influenced not only Epaminondas' philosophical education but also had practical implications for his implementation of new tactics during the battle of Leuctra. Thus, a direct connection between Epaminondas' military and philosophical education is suggested. The article also reveals echoes of what appears to have been a significant ancient literary tradition that reported on the spread of Pythagoreanism in Thebes and directly linked Epaminondas's achievements in paideia and philosophy with his role as military commander.

Keywords: образование, education, paideia, пайдейя, Филолай, Philolaus, Фивы, Thebes, Epaminondas, Эпаминонд, Pythagorean philosophy, Lysis, battle of Leuctra, Пифагорейская философия, Лисис, битва при Левктрах