ABSTRACT
Though Epicurus’ own philosophy resembles Democritean atomism in some ways, Epicurus seems to have been critical of many aspects of the thoughts of Democritus. He struck out on his own and founded a philosophical community at Mytilene in 311/10. This was followed by another school in Lampsacus. In 307/6 Epicurus moved at last to Athens and purchased a property near the Diplyon Gate, not far from the site of Plato’s Academy. This was the Garden of Epicurus—a community of both men and women who lived in accordance with the dictates of Epicurus’ philosophy. Epicurus left the property to Hermarchus of Mytilene and it endured as a community for long after. Epicurus also made provision for his birthday to be celebrated with an annual feast.
