Pythagoras and the physiognomic omens (1)

Text
Aulus Gellius, Noctes Atticae 1.9.1-3:
It is said that the order and method followed by Pythagoras, and afterwards by his school and his successors, in admitting and training their pupils were as follows: At the very outset he “physiognomized” the young men who presented themselves for instruction. That word means to inquire into the character and dispositions of men by an inference drawn from their facial appearance and expression, and from the form and bearing of their whole body. Then, when he had thus examined a man and found him suitable, he at once gave orders that he should be admitted to the school.

Source (list of abbreviations) (source links will open in a new browser window)
Aulus Gellius, Noctes Atticae 1.9.1-3

Bibliography

Amar Annus

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